8 Common Car Accident Claim Mistakes to Avoid

Stay safe on the roads, ladies and gentlemen. Cars are far more dangerous than we give them credit for. Over 40,000 people lose their lives every year thanks to car accidents.

If you have been in a car accident, it’s time to make a car accident claim. This is what you submit to the insurance company to request compensation for damages. Unfortunately, insurance companies are notoriously arbitrary and will take even the smallest slip-up to deny you coverage.

Therefore, there are a lot of little mistakes you need to avoid to get the best car accident compensation. Whether or not you intend to hire a car accident lawyer, these tips apply across the board.

Keep reading for eight common car accident claim mistakes that you should avoid.

1. Saying Too Much before You Even File a Car Accident Claim

When a car accident has happened just moments ago, you are likely emotional and disoriented. Your head is filled with anxiety about the future. Injuries you have suffered may cause trauma and confusion.

All of this can put you in a state of mind where you say too much. Particularly, admissions of guilt. Many people accidentally admit to speeding, not paying attention, or otherwise causing the accident to happen.

As a general rule, only say what you absolutely need to say. Ask if the other driver is okay, request their information, and communicate minimal information with the authorities. Even something as simple as speculating about the cause of the crash can get you in hot water.

Authorities and the insurance company may use this information against you later. As the saying goes, never speak to the police alone. Click here to find a lawyer that can help you.

2. Foregoing Medical Care after the Accident

People sometimes skip the doctor after an accident. They do so because they don’t feel any pain, or they want to wait until they get compensation. Both of these choices are a mistake.

See a doctor after an accident no matter what. You want to have any injuries on record. Even something as simple as minor whiplash could work in your favor for getting a car accident settlement.

3. Failing to Collect Car Accident Evidence

Right after the accident, everything is fresh. Before the tow trucks and the police arrive, the evidence is there and in place. Collect as much evidence as you can during these initial moments.

Take pictures, write things down, and get witness statements if you can. This includes not just the damage to the cars, but evidence around the area of how the accident happened. All of this will be vital for your claim later on.

Another essential piece of evidence will be the official police report. If the collision happens in Missouri, you can easily search for the MSHP accident report online. This document is usually requested by most insurance companies to begin a claim and can be used in a court of law.

4. Trusting Your Insurance Agency

If there is only one thing you should know about car accident insurance companies, it is this: never trust them. An insurance company’s aim is to pay you as little as they possibly can. If they can avoid paying you anything at all, they will do so without a second thought.

Just because you pay a premium each month guarantees nothing. Do not give in to the temptation to trust your insurance company or treat them as your friend.

5. Doing Any Form of Recorded Statement

Insurance adjusters will call you after the accident to get a recorded statement. This is basically where they ask leading questions about the accident and how it happened. You do not have to do this!

They will use this against you. Just avoid any recorded statement whatsoever.

6. Skipping Any Follow-Up Doctor Appointments

Suppose that you do have an injury from the accident. As we said before, you should see the doctor no matter what. But even if you do see the doctor, you need to follow up with any future appointments.

If you don’t, the insurance company can claim that the side effects of your injuries happened from something else. But if you get regular visits, the doctor can confirm that these are the same injuries as from the accident.

7. Accepting the First Insurance Payout That They Give You

As a general rule, you should never accept the first settlement that your insurance company gives you. At first glance, this may seem like a good thing. They offer you a considerable sum of money, perhaps enough to deal with most or all of the damages and injuries.

Insurance companies do not do this out of the kindness of their hearts. What they are trying to do is close the case prematurely. If you accept the settlement, then you can no longer fight the case.

Instead, speak with your car accident lawyer. There’s a good chance that these early settlements are to prevent a much larger payout.

8. Sharing Information About The Car Accident on the Internet

It’s understandable why people post about car accidents on their social media accounts. After all, your friends can provide emotional and moral support. They will be on your side no matter what, which may be helpful to keep your mental health afloat as you are fighting the insurance company.

Never, ever post about car accidents on social media. Unfortunately, insurance companies and a court of law could use this information against you later on. They could take anything you say, or any pictures you post, and use it to reduce the payout that they make to you eventually.

Avoid the temptation to post anything. You’ll be glad you did later.

Get Car Accident Compensation Today

A car accident claim is your key to compensation after the accident. Many people make the above mistakes during the claim process and accidentally deprive themselves of the best car accident compensation. Avoid these mistakes and you will be sure to get a higher payout.

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