As a victim of a motor vehicle collision, an auto accident claim can be an effective way to gain the compensation you need to cover medical bills, lost wages and other damages. To get the most out of a claim, you must follow proper protocol.
Sometimes individuals cause a decrease in their award amounts by doing or not doing certain things. There are a few common mistakes to understand and avoid in order to create a successful claim.
Not receiving proper medical treatment
It is important to seek medical treatment after an accident. Along with getting treatment initially, it is important to any follow-up appointments, if the physician suggests it. This helps to create a paper trail and validate the seriousness of the injury, which may have a significant effect on the amount of damages that the judge will award.
Not maintaining proper evidence
General protocol after an auto accident is for the parties involved to exchange information and to file a police report. By law, individuals involved in an accident are able to collect a copy of the police report. Along with the report, it may be helpful for people to collect any other paperwork, such as eyewitness statements, or evidence that will help to validate a claim. Photos of the accident are always helpful pieces of evidence.
Improper communication
Immediately after a car accident, emotions usually run high. Making incidental statements, such as, “I’m sorry,” or “It was my fault,” can damage the credibility of a claim. Therefore, it is best for individuals to try to avoid making any statements in the moment. When they do make their report to the police, they should stick to the facts, and their report to the insurance company should be as similar as possible. By making sure that they are truthful and to the point, it should help to keep the stories consistent. Any variations can cause doubt, which may negatively affect a claim.
By keeping these things in mind, individuals can avoid common pitfalls. For further information or support, it may be beneficial to speak with a knowledgeable attorney.
