If you drive on a fairly regular basis, there’s a good chance that you’ll eventually be involved in a car accident. Fortunately, the odds of that crash being fatal are relatively low.
According to Statistic Brain, there are roughly 5.4 million non-fatal wrecks per year in the United States but only about 30,000 traffic fatalities. In 2014, the Insurance Information Institute examined the data further and determined that the lifetime odds of dying in a motor–vehicle collision as a vehicle occupant, motorcyclist, or pedestrian were 1 in 114.
Although most people involved in car accidents are fortunate enough to survive, many sustain injuries that have lifelong consequences. If you were hurt in a collision with a reckless or negligent driver, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills and other damages you incur as a result; however, one mistake during the claims process could jeopardize your entire case.
For this reason, it is wise to contact a personal injury attorney immediately after your collision. The Jackson car accident lawyers at Coxwell & Associates will help you avoid costly errors that could lead to a liability or damages dispute. Call (601) 265-7766 to schedule a free consultation.
Read on to learn some of the most common mistakes to avoid following a motor–vehicle collision:
1. Apologizing or Admitting Fault
You might feel inclined to apologize to others involved in the crash, but doing so could be considered an admission of fault. It is best to avoid discussing fault in the aftermath of an accident. When speaking to the officer attending the scene, provide only objective details about the events that led to the collision.
2. Leaving the Scene Without Taking Photographs
Photographs of the scene are essential for piecing together how your crash occurred. Once the police arrive and start directing traffic away from the area, take pictures of the vehicles involved from multiple angles. If you must move the cars before you can photograph them, you should still document the scene including the flow of traffic, any notable weather conditions, debris, and skid marks.
3. Postponing Medical Treatment
Even if you did not require emergency care, you should still visit a doctor after the accident because you may have sustained injuries with latent symptoms. Also, undergoing an immediate evaluation may contribute to the strength of your claim because your injuries will be documented.
4. Waiting Too Long to Call a Car Accident Lawyer
Insurance adjusters are skilled negotiators, and they know how to gain a claimant’s trust. Once you start negotiating with the adjuster, it will quickly become clear that you have competing interests. For this reason, it is wise to enlist the help of an experienced injury attorney to handle correspondence with the insurance company on your behalf.
Discuss Your Case with a Car Accident Lawyer in Jackson Today!
The Jackson car accident attorneys at Coxwell & Associates can help you avoid making critical mistakes early in the proceedings that might affect the outcome of your claim. Call (601) 265-7766 or click on the button below to schedule a free case evaluation.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for general information purposes only, and is not a substitute for legal advice. Anyone with a legal problem should consult a lawyer immediately.