When you’ve been involved in an auto accident, the last thing you want to worry about is making a mistake that could hurt your ability to recover compensation. Our Germantown, MD car accident lawyer has worked with countless clients who’ve made errors in handling their claims. Some mistakes are avoidable, and understanding them can help protect your case from unnecessary setbacks.
Delaying Medical Treatment
One of the most significant mistakes we see is the delay in seeking medical attention after an accident. Even if you don’t feel immediate pain, it’s important to get checked by a doctor. Injuries such as whiplash, concussions, or internal injuries may not show symptoms right away but can cause long-term damage if not treated. Delaying medical care can hurt your claim because the insurance company may argue that your injuries weren’t serious or that they weren’t caused by the accident.
Additionally, the medical records created during your treatment will serve as vital evidence in your case. Delaying or failing to visit a doctor may result in a lack of documentation to support your injuries, weakening your position in negotiations or court.
Failing To Gather Evidence
After an auto accident, gathering as much evidence as possible is key to proving your case. Too often, we see clients who either forget to take photos of the accident scene or fail to obtain contact information from witnesses. Evidence like photos of the vehicles, damage, and the overall scene—along with witness statements—can make a huge difference when it comes to showing liability and the extent of your injuries.
If the police were called, you should request a copy of their official report. If there are traffic cameras in the area, we’ll help you request footage that may show how the accident occurred. Our attorney can also secure dashcam footage and black box data from the truck to help paint a vivid picture of the collision. Don’t rely solely on the other driver’s account or the insurance company to gather all the necessary information.
Admitting Fault
After a crash, emotions can run high, and you might feel inclined to apologize or admit fault, even if you’re not sure what happened. However, admitting fault at the scene can be a serious mistake. Even if you think you might have been partially responsible, saying something like “I’m sorry” can be used against you later.
Insurance companies may use any statement you make as evidence of liability, even if it was an offhand comment made in the heat of the moment. It’s best to stick to the basic facts when discussing the accident with the other party or with the police. If asked, state where the accident occurred, the time, and how it happened. Let the investigation and evidence determine fault.
Settling Too Quickly
It’s understandable to want to put the crash behind you, but settling too quickly can significantly harm your vehicle accident claim. After a collision, the full extent of your injuries might not be immediately clear, and you may not fully understand how much medical treatment or recovery time you’ll need. Settling early might mean accepting a low offer from the insurance company, leaving you without enough compensation to cover future medical bills or lost wages.
It’s always best to wait until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement, meaning that your doctors have determined that your condition is stable. Once you know the full scope of your injuries, you’ll have a better idea of how much compensation is necessary to cover your treatment and other expenses.
Failing To Consult An Attorney
Many people think they can handle their auto accident claim on their own, especially if the crash seems straightforward or if the insurance company seems cooperative. However, without an attorney, you risk missing out on the full compensation you deserve. Insurance companies are in business to protect their profits, not your well-being. They may try to offer you a quick settlement or deny your claim entirely.
Having our lawyer on your side helps make certain that you’re treated fairly throughout the process. We can handle all the paperwork, communicate with the insurance company, and advocate on your behalf. Most importantly, we know how to calculate the true value of your claim, considering not just immediate costs but also long-term expenses like medical care and lost wages.
Underestimating The Importance Of Documentation
Documentation is one of the most powerful tools in any personal injury claim. From medical records to bills and proof of lost wages, all of this helps paint a picture of how the accident has impacted your life. Failing to keep track of your expenses, missing doctor’s appointments, or not documenting how your injuries have affected your daily routine can weaken your case.
It’s important to keep a detailed record of all medical treatments, appointments, and expenses. If your injury has affected your ability to work, make sure to document the days you missed and how it’s impacted your financial situation. These records will be vital when presenting your case to the insurance company or in court.
Protecting Your Rights And Maximizing Your Compensation
Handling an auto accident claim isn’t always straightforward, and mistakes can have long-lasting consequences. From delaying medical treatment to failing to gather evidence, these common errors can undermine your ability to recover compensation. At Antezana & Antezana LLC, we’re here to help you avoid these pitfalls. We’ll guide you through every step of the claims process, so that you have the best chance of securing the compensation you deserve. If you’ve been injured in an auto accident, don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss your case and protect your rights. Consultations are free and there is no fee unless we win. Our successful track record speaks for itself. Don’t wait any longer to retain legal representation. Call now to get our attorney with over 20 years of experience started on your case.
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