A road accident is something that is very overwhelming. The confusion, and emotional stress that is usually associated with such a process often result in quick decisions that may be prejudicial to your interests. When such an event happens, most individuals end up making mistakes that might have adverse consequences on their legal matters. It is always important to know what not to do in order to be on the safe side legally. If you are on your own or are taking legal advice from personal injury lawyers at Watermans, the following are some of the pitfalls that you should avoid when dealing with the consequences of an accident.
Failing to Call the Authorities
One of the most common mistakes that people commit after the road accident is failure to report the incident to the police. It is always essential to make an official record of the occurrence, even if it appears to be insignificant. Failure to produce this report makes it even harder to establish the blame especially if the other party will later on deny negligence. In any case, it is always advisable to call the local police and have an impartial witness record the incident.
Admitting Fault
Right after an accident, people tend to feel guilty or to blame and some may even start to say sorry or admit that they are at fault when they are not. While such responses are perfectly natural, they can be turned around to work against you in a court of law. Even when people give apologies or accept blame in an informal manner, they are seen as having admitted to the case. However, do not argue and do not give out information about the accident to anyone apart from the police. The investigation to establish who to blame rather than blame oneself prematurely.
Failing to Collect Evidence
Ignoring the need for evidence can be costly for your side of the case. After a road accident, one must try to gather all the information that is possible to gather. Take pictures of the event, take pictures of the vehicles if any and take pictures of the affected individuals. Make sure you obtain the contact details of all the parties to the incident as well as witnesses. Lack of documentation can be rather disadvantageous in the sense that one cannot remember and key evidence may be lost. Collecting evidence helps you to be stronger in case of the arising of disputes in the future.
Not Seeking Immediate Medical Attention
Another mistake that people often make is to wait for a long time before seeking medical attention after an accident. There are those who do not have any symptoms after the accident, but the injuries may develop later because of shock or adrenaline rush. If you delay your visit to the hospital, it becomes challenging to prove that your injuries are as a result of the accident, something that the insurance companies can use to their advantage and deny your claim. It is always wise to seek medical attention immediately, even if the injuries are seemingly small. Early treatment also provides a record of your condition that could be very useful in a court of law.
Speaking to Insurance Companies Too Soon
Insurance adjusters are always a tricky lot to deal with. Their function is to assess the admissibility of the claim while their main purpose is to reduce the compensation costs for the company. Approaching them too early without having all the information could mean that you give statements that may harm your case. Do not talk to an adjuster as soon as possible; it is better to turn to an attorney who can help you avoid making a mistake that will negatively affect your case. When it comes to such discussions, a personal injury lawyer can guide you through them to ensure you are on the right side.
Accepting the First Settlement Offer
Insurance companies are always keen to make early offers of compensation in order to close cases before the victims realize the full impact of their losses. As much as one may be eager to take what is offered first in order to avoid prolongation of the process, this is counterproductive in that you may end up being shortchanged. Legal settlements should not be made without considering all the possible costs like the medical bills, wages, and future consequences. It is advisable to consult a lawyer before accepting any settlement to avoid being offered a raw deal.
Not Consulting a Lawyer
Most accident victims have the tendency of thinking that they can manage their legal issues on their own. This might look like a way of saving costs, but when you are on the wrong side of the law, especially in the complex area of personal injury, you are exposed. This way, you stand a better chance of getting proper compensation when you hire experienced personal injury lawyers from Watermans. Insurance firms may know how to handle your case but legal professionals know how to bargain with insurance firms, assess the offers given and how to create a solid foundation for your case.
Ignoring the Statute of Limitations
In the case of a legal claim following a road accident, time is always of the essence. Every state has its own rules of time, called statutes of limitations, that define how long you have to sue. If you do not act within these time frames then you might be deemed to have lost your right to sue for compensation. In order not to lose your claim, you should seek the assistance of a lawyer who will help you to file the claim and make sure that all the statutory time limits are complied with.
Signing Documents Without Reading
A lot of people, especially those who want to settle their accident cases as soon as possible, agree to sign legal papers without knowing what they are signing. Again, rushing through the papers may lead to the loss of other possible compensation or the agreement to an unfavorable deal. It is recommended that one should read all documents carefully and consult a legal expert before signing any document. A lawyer can help to understand the consequences of any signed agreements, which can be used to harm your case by mistake.
Protect Yourself
To safeguard your interests after a road accident, one needs to be alert, passive and make the right choices. These are some of the common mistakes that one should avoid, by ensuring that they are knowledgeable about the laws or seek the service of a lawyer. It is possible to protect your future and fight for the compensation you are entitled to with the right actions.
