Car accidents are a common event. Getting injured in one has the ability to drastically change your life, if not properly handled. While many people believe that seeking compensation is as easy as figuring out who is at fault, and then getting them to pay for your damages. The reality is, seeking compensation following an auto accident can be much more complex than that.
There are many moving parts that must be accomplished to work together to render you eligible for compensation. Forgetting certain steps may leave you denied and without the compensation that you may desperately need.
Here are the three most common mistakes victims of car accidents make to ruin their case.
Not Seeking Proper Medical Attention
If you are injured in an auto accident, you must seek medical attention. It doesn’t matter if you feel slight soreness or have a labral tear, it is imperative that you seek medical attention, not only to ensure your well-being but to also have the injuries on your medical record. Medical records are highly influential evidence for your case, and not having proper documentation of your injuries may negatively impact your chance at seeking the full compensation you deserve.
Settling For Too Little Too Early
This is a very common situation for many involved in a car accident. Settling too early is when you don’t take enough time, or use the proper resources to get an estimate on the actual value of your case—causing you to settle for an unreasonably low amount.
Some negative repercussions that stem from settling too early include:
Finding out your case was worth much more than you settled for.
Thinking your injury was a quick fix only to find out it will require lifelong treatment, meaning more medical bills.
Working with an experienced Tennessee auto accident attorney will ensure that your case’s full value is made clear. They will assist you to make sure that you don’t settle for less while doing the “dirty work” for you.
Speaking With an Adjuster Before Speaking With an Attorney
You may already know that notifying your insurance company of your accident is something you must do shortly after your accident. While this is true, informing your insurer of your accident is something you must do, it is recommended to not speak with them before consulting with a legal professional.
Your phone calls with your insurer are recorded and logged. Meaning the things you say can and will be used against you. For example, you give them a call and inform them, “I was just trying to go around this person, they were driving so slow,” and by saying this, you, unknowingly put the blame on yourself.
Consulting with a legal professional, like our team of highly experienced Germantown personal injury attorneys here at Snider & Horner, will allow you to rest easy knowing your rights are protected and that you’re not doing anything to incriminate yourself.
If you’ve been injured and are looking to pursue the compensation you deserve, give us a call today at (901) 730-8880 to schedule your free case evaluation.
