Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Accident in Hanover County

Car Accident in Hanover County - Mistakes to Avoid 

Auto collisions are often hectic and can produce a lot of anxiety. This opens the door for mistakes to be made, some of which could threaten your ability to recover damages for your injuries. Fortunately, with the aid of a skilled car accident attorney, you can avoid these pitfalls. A legal professional in Hanover County can explain how you could avoid mistakes after a car accident.

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Why is it a Mistake to Admit Fault?

People injured after a car accident should refrain from admitting fault. They typically do not have all the facts, especially regarding what the other driver was doing at the time of the crash. It is best to cooperate with the police and tell them what happened but they should avoid talking to the other person's insurance company. There is nothing incriminating with the injured person saying “sorry,” as long as they do not say anything that could be construed as taking blame.

The Mistake of Refusing Medical Treatment

If a person is even mildly injured, they should seek medical treatment. Avoiding or delaying treatment could not only jeopardize their health but it can also jeopardize the claim. Some people might not seek treatment because they are taking care of their family or are concerned about their job. Others might not be able to pay for the treatment or meet the deductibles, or they may not have health insurance.

A person should follow their doctor's advice because it has the ancillary benefit of helping their case. It proves that the person did everything they could to get better, making it more likely that a jury might award damages. A gap in treatment can hurt a person's case because it could be argued by the insurance company that the gap proves they were not actually hurt in the accident. Refusing medical care is one of the biggest mistakes to avoid after a local car accident.

What is the Danger of Giving a Recorded Statement?

An injured person should not give recorded statements to insurance adjusters immediately after an accident. The at-fault party's insurance company will use any recorded statements made by the plaintiff to try and eliminate the value of their case or lower it as much as possible. They often take what the claimant says out of context, or push them into statements or positions that may not be true.

Insurance companies will usually try to resolve the case through a quick settlement before claimants have an opportunity to assess all of their damages. They will try to get the injured individual on the record before they have had a chance to find a lawyer. No one should accept a check that is given out by the insurance company without counsel from a lawyer. Once the check is cashed, it will be difficult to acquire further damages for that incident. That is why it is wise to contact an attorney as soon as possible after an accident, before the insurance company tries to take advantage.

How a Lawyer Can Help Someone Avoid Mistakes

One of the ways that an attorney can help immediately after an accident is by dealing with the insurance company, acquiring necessary documents, talking to witnesses, and ensuring that the claimant keeps up with their doctor visits and medications. Legal professionals are aware of the common mistakes that are made after auto accidents in Hanover County and can prepare for them ahead of time.

Additionally, people sometimes try to settle a case too quickly in order to avoid a drawn-out battle or to receive the compensation immediately. This is not ideal. An attorney might be able to negotiate a better deal or take the case to trial in the hopes of winning a larger award than the insurance company is willing to settle for.

Talk with an Attorney About Mistakes to Avoid After a Hanover County Car Accident

You are not expected to know all of the intricacies of the legal process when you find yourself in a personal injury situation. That is why it is best practice to retain a lawyer who could caution you from admitting fault, giving recorded statements, or skipping medical care. Schedule a consultation with a lawyer who can advise you on the mistakes to avoid after a car accident in Hanover County.

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If you have been injured at work or through the negligence of another individual or entity, contact us at (804) 999-9999 or or use the form below to connect with our legal team. We will fight to get you the justice you deserve.