It doesn’t take much to cause a serious collision that has life-changing consequences. Sending a brief text message, dozing off for a few seconds, or getting behind the wheel after one too many glasses of wine can result in a devastating wreck that leaves severe injuries in its wake.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t take much for the victims of such collisions to jeopardize their injury claims, either. Simply posting a photo of yourself on social media could threaten your case if it brings the severity of your injuries into question. Also, any recorded statements you give to the insurance company might be used as evidence to dispute liability and damages.
If you were injured in a crash with a reckless driver and want to avoid making critical mistakes that could hurt your chances of recovering a fair payout, contact LoTempio P.C. Law Group. Our highly experienced personal injury attorneys will aggressively represent your interests and make sure the insurance company treats you fairly. Call 716-855-3761 to schedule a free case evaluation with a car accident lawyer in New York.
Read on to learn five common mistakes to avoid after a motor-vehicle collision:
1. Failing to Call the Police
If you are in a crash that causes bodily injury, you are required by law to notify the police immediately in the state of New York; however, this is not the only reason to involve law enforcement. Accident scenes are inherently chaotic, and tensions will be running high.
Upon arriving at the scene, police will prevent altercations, direct traffic, and interview eyewitnesses. They will also draft an official report, which may contribute to the strength of your claim.
2. Admitting Fault
Some people have a natural inclination to apologize after accidents, but doing so could be considered an admission of fault. You should never accept the blame even if you believe you were liable for the crash. The laws that govern collision claims are complicated, and it is not uncommon for drivers to admit fault even when another party is liable for their damages.
3. Posting About the Accident on Social Media
People often turn to social media to garner support from friends and loved ones following traumatic events; however, it is best to avoid posting about the crash or your recovery because anything you publish could be used by the insurance company to dispute your claim.
4. Failing to Seek Medical Care
Visiting a doctor as soon as possible following the wreck will ensure you receive adequate medical attention for any injuries including those that may not be manifesting symptoms yet. It will also begin a paper trail detailing the damages you have incurred as a result of the accident.
5. Going up Against the Insurance Company Alone
Although you have the right to represent yourself during the personal injury claims process, it is not wise to go up against a massive corporation on your own. Claims adjusters are professional negotiators with incentive to find reasons to dispute your claim. Hiring a seasoned car accident lawyer will level the playing field and ensure you have access to the same resources the insurance company does.
Call 716-855-3761 for a Free Consultation with a New York Car Accident Attorney
If you were hurt in a motor-vehicle collision and are ready to start the claims process, turn to LoTempio P.C. Law Group. By letting us handle the logistics of the case, you can focus on what matters most: your health and your family. Call 716-855-3761 or fill out our Contact Form to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in New York.
If I got into a car accident, I would never admit fault. If I did that, there could be legal reparations to where I wouldn’t be able to get out of it. I’d take your advice and get professional legal help no matter how minor or severe it is.
If I got in an accident, I’ll for sure get help. As you said here, I should get legal help. That way, I can be sure that I won’t be going up against the insurance company alone.
It’s weird that apologizing after an accident would be considered an admission of fault, even if it wasn’t your fault at all! I always say sorry for things I didn’t cause, so I’d have to be extra careful if I ever got in a crash. Is there something else you should say instead of sorry?
I am glad you mention the importance of calling the police in order for them to interview witnesses and also create a report which could strengthen a claim. My husband is worried about our youngest child driving and wants to keep a list of things in his car about what to do in case of an accident. I think we should include calling the police on that list, along with consulting a car accident attorney for advice.
Thank you for mentioning how you should avoid admitting that an accident was your fault in order to ensure that you are not liable. My brother accidentally rear-ended someone that was driving below the speed limit on the freeway last weekend, and he would like to prove that the accident was not his fault in order to get the compensation he needs to treat his broken arm. He should consult a professional for legal assistance.
I never knew that even saying sorry can be considered as admitting that you were responsible for the car accident until you mentioned it. I tend to do this all the time whenever I cause inconvenience to other people, but I’m a really good driver and there’s no way I’d be at fault. If I were to find myself in this situation, I’ll try to keep my mouth shut until I get an attorney who can represent me properly.