Common Mistakes People Make After an Auto Accident
In the United States, while other factors cause 2% of auto accidents, a whopping 94% is due to driver error. Even worse, most people fall victim to these common mistakes when such accidents occur. Indeed, in the spur of the moment, when you’re severely injured, your utmost priority is to receive medical care as soon as possible. Even with that, some processes are vital if you intend to take it up legally. If you’re interested in knowing some of these common mistakes, please look at the points discussed below.
- Failure to gather evidence
Evidence is crucial to court proceedings involving auto accidents. Without substantial proof, it is almost impossible to receive compensation from the state or offending party. Evidence can be in pictures taken at the site, eyewitness accounts, or any other piece of relevant information that proves that the accident happened. With regards to your witnesses, do not forget to record their names and contact details.
Gathering evidence should never be your immediate concern if you have severe injuries to attend to. Thankfully, the United States is notable for its traffic and speed cameras across all states. Therefore, it is even more convenient to appeal to the proper authorities to access the footage.
- Settling too swiftly
The temptation to avoid lengthy legal processes compels most accident victims to accept the first compensation offered them hurriedly. Getting a fair settlement involves seeking the services of experienced accident attorneys like those at scottsdaleaccidentattorney.co. Building a solid case takes a great deal of legal skill, and that’s what you should aim for. Moreover, you stand a better chance at pursuing the case to the full extent of the law when the other party realizes that you rightfully deserve more.
- Immediate departure from the accident scene
The tricky part of this point is that it happens one too often. Unless medics or the ambulance team convey you from the site, you must remain at the accident scene until the police arrive. It is a criminal offense to leave the accident scene in the US. Even worse, you could be slapped with a hit and run charge if you fail to wait for the police or appropriate authority to get there. This charge comes with a hefty fine and, in some cases, jail time.
A famous example was the 2016 freeway accident involving former NBA star Dennis Rodman. The celebrity sports player failed to stay at the scene after driving on the wrong side of the street and causing another driver to crash into a wall divider. He was later arrested and charged with a hit and run. More so, he served informal probation lasting three years.
- Talking to insurance companies without a lawyer
According to research over the years, persons involved in vehicular accidents who speak to insurance companies without an attorney tend to lose out on so much. Indeed, insurance companies are after their own interests and will likely use anything you say about the accident against you. Therefore, before contacting an attorney, only disclose basic details which will not incriminate you in the event of an information spin.
Last but not least, never skip medical checks after your involvement in an auto accident. Apart from ensuring your wellbeing, it’s vital for making claims. Without correctly verified injuries by a physician, you cannot seek financial compensation.
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