After an auto collision caused by another driver’s negligence, you may have the right to compensation. However, if you handle things incorrectly, it can interfere with your ability to recover fair compensation for your injuries and financial losses. Take a look at the mistakes to avoid after a Wilmington car accident and how you can navigate the claim process more easily, and reach out to Doroshow, Pasquale, Krawitz, & Bhaya for help.
Leaving the Scene of the Collision
If anyone suffered injuries or property damage in the collision, all parties should remain at the scene until police arrive. Always report car accidents that result in property damage, even in cases where no one seems to have suffered serious injury.
Failing to Seek Medical Care
One of the biggest mistakes people make after a Wilmington car wreck is assuming that after an auto collision that they do not need to seek medical attention unless they have obvious signs of serious injuries, like broken bones or severe bleeding. However, adrenaline can camouflage injuries, preventing individuals from feeling the pain until later. Seeking medical care as soon as possible after a collision can make it easier to assess the full extent of the injuries sustained in the accident and provide a record of when those injuries occurred in the case of an insurance dispute.
Accepting Liability for the Collision
Sometimes, it can prove difficult to determine what caused a wreck. Many people feel tempted to brush off the other party’s actions at the time of the incident or to accept partial liability themselves. However, accepting even partial liability, either immediately after the collision or later, in interactions with the insurance company, can make it more difficult for injured individuals to get the compensation they deserve.
Brushing Off Injuries or Damages
In conversations with the insurance company, many injured individuals try to minimize the impact their injuries have had on them. They may want to seem “tough” or “in control,” or simply to avoid sounding like they are whining. However, minimizing the extent of the damages from the accident is a mistake Wilmington motorists should avoid after a wreck because it can cause the insurance company to ignore the full extent of those damages when they settle the claim.
Accepting a Low Settlement Offer
Insurance companies often start the negotiation process by offering a low settlement: one that does not reflect the full extent of the damages the injured individual suffered. In some cases, that low settlement can prevent the injured individual from getting the medical care they need, or from taking care of the wage losses related to the accident. Even a verbal phone agreement to settle for a low amount might be deemed binding. Don’t negotiate a settlement of your case without talking to a lawyer first. This is one of the most serious mistakes to avoid after a Wilmington car wreck, since it can have the biggest impact on the compensation they can recover. Talking to a lawyer can help injured individuals understand the compensation they really deserve.
Talk to a Lawyer About Mistakes to Avoid After a Wilmington Car Wreck
The ins and outs of insurance claims can quickly turn more complicated than many people anticipate. Understanding common mistakes to avoid after a Wilmington car accident can make it easier to successfully navigate the claim process and recover fair compensation following an auto collision. We understand the challenges many people face when navigating insurance claims, and we strive to help our clients get the compensation they really deserve. Reach out to us today for a free consultation.