The physical, emotional, and financial impacts of a serious collision can be devastating. While no amount of money can undo the trauma you have experienced, you may be able to regain your financial footing by filing a personal injury claim.
Unfortunately, recovering a fair settlement may involve an uphill legal battle—especially if you incurred significant medical bills and lost income. Far too often, car accident victims make crucial errors at the scene and over the weeks that follow, which lead to unnecessary complications, delays, and disputes.
The best way to avoid critical oversights is to let a skilled lawyer handle the logistics of your case. An attorney from Coxwell & Associates can evaluate your situation in a free consultation and help you determine the most strategic way to proceed. Call (601) 265-7766 to schedule a case evaluation with a car accident lawyer in Jackson.
Read on to learn four mistakes you should avoid while at the scene of a motor-vehicle collision:
1.. Admitting Fault
Many people feel inclined to apologize following a car accident, even if they are not to blame. If you apologize at the scene, though, it could be interpreted as an admission of fault. Bear in mind that determining liability is not always straightforward, so even if you feel certain that you were to blame, it’s best to limit your statements to simple, objective facts that cannot be misinterpreted or misrepresented.
2. Not Getting the Police Involved
You should call the police after any collision so an officer can direct traffic away from the scene, conduct chemical tests as needed, and create an accident report. In the state of Mississippi, failure to file a written accident report following a wreck that caused property damage exceeding $250 or bodily injury is a misdemeanor offense.
3. Not Recording the Contact Information of Eyewitnesses
Chances are nearby motorists or their passengers saw what happened. Other potential eyewitnesses include cyclists, pedestrians, and even shopkeepers. Get the names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the crash, and ask them to wait for police to arrive so they can provide an official statement.
4. Taking Inadequate Photographs
When photographing the scene, it’s important to:
- Shoot the wreckage from all angles;
- Capture both major details like the weather and minor details like skid marks;
- Document the inside of your vehicle including deployed airbags and bloodstains; and
- Record the road conditions and flow of traffic in the area.
Call (601) 265-7766 to Speak with a Car Accident Lawyer in Jackson
If you want to file a car accident claim in Mississippi, turn to Coxwell & Associates to discuss your case. Our personal injury attorneys are passionate about helping the injured and their families fight for the compensation they deserve.
We have won nearly $300 million for our clients in successful settlements and verdicts. Call (601) 265-7766 or use our Online Contact Form to set up a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Jackson.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended as general information purposes only, and is not a substitute for legal advice. Anyone with a legal problem should consult a lawyer immediately.