The aftermath of an auto wreck can be stressful for everyone involved. The steps you take immediately following the accident can have a significant impact on your ability to file a personal injury claim or recover damages.
If you sustained injuries in a collision that was not your fault, you may benefit from reaching out to a seasoned car crash attorney. Call The Warren Firm today to discuss the mistakes to avoid after a car accident in Charlottesville.
After an auto wreck, many drivers apologize despite doing nothing wrong. While this may seem natural, it is important to note that admitting fault at the scene of the accident can hurt one’s chances of achieving a positive outcome at trial. Anything said at the scene is admissible in court.
Additionally, apologizing immediately after the crash may prompt a police officer to issue a citation. This could cause the insurance company to believe the injured party is responsible for the collision. Anyone involved in a car accident should avoid making the mistake of commenting on fault at the scene of the crash.
Anyone involved in a collision should take photographs and videos of the scene accident and any damage to the car. If a vehicle is totaled and taken to a salvage yard, the owner often has an opportunity to retrieve any personal belongings from the car before it is sold or stripped for parts. At that time, most attorneys recommend people take pictures of the vehicle from different angles.
In some instances, the insurance company will take pictures, but those may not show the full damage. A legal professional could inform an injured of the proper way to photograph a car accident.
Someone who has been injured in a car accident been may not appreciate the full extent of their injuries until months later. For example, an injured party may have a headache immediately after the accident but think nothing of it. However, this could be a sign of a concussion or traumatic brain injury.
Damage to the neck and back could also lead to catastrophic injuries. Minor back pain after a crash could result in spinal cord injury or paralysis if left untreated. Underestimating your condition could cause you more pain in the future.
Soon after a motor vehicle collision, the at-fault driver’s insurance company may call the injured party to request a statement. Attorneys typically discourage volunteering statements to the opposing party, especially when the injured person is still shaken up from the accident. Answering questions incorrectly could make it more difficult to succeed in an injury case.
While state law specifies that any recorded statement made to an insurance company is inadmissible in court, the existence of the recording may be used to prove a plaintiff is not actually injured. If you have spoken to another person’s insurance company, a skilled car accident lawyer could help you prevent any potential negative consequences.
In cases involving uninsured motorists, injured parties may negotiate with their own insurance company. Drivers tend to assume the company will make them a fair offer, but this unlikely. These insurance agents will offer as little money as possible.
Large advertising insurance companies may also attempt to contact injured parties before they have the opportunity to talk to an attorney or do research about appropriate settlements. The company may offer an injured person a check in return for signing a release stating the claim is finished.
This ensures the insurance company with not have to pay for any damages that may appear in the future. If you have been offered a check, avoid signing documents before speaking with a local vehicle collision attorney.
After retaining an attorney, it is important to provide him or her will any information that may be relevant to the case. This may include details about prior accident claims or preexisting injuries.
Insurance companies often use information like this against the plaintiff. With adequate notice of these potential arguments, a legal professional could prepare an appropriate defense.
If you are unsure of the right steps to take following an auto wreck, you should consider speaking with a lawyer. A member of our team can talk to you about the mistakes to avoid after a car accident in Charlottesville. Contact us today to speak with a dedicated attorney.
