Road accidents are stressful. Therefore, it is easy to fall into pitfalls after the crash or when making traffic accident claims. Some of these mistakes are costly because they affect your applications or even the amount of compensation you get for the injuries or damages resulting from the traffic accident. One mistake after a car accident could result in denial of a claim or dispute. You need to avoid these errors when filing a car accident claim if you want to get the rightful compensation.
Making a recorded statement
You might affect the amount of compensation that you deserve when you make recorded statements with an insurance firm before you understand the real extent of injuries. It is wise to first talk to your car accident attorney before recording statements with the insurance adjuster. Also, you should first seek medical help to understand the extent of injuries before filing a statement on your injuries to avoid underestimating or overestimating the injuries.
Admitting liability
One of the worst mistakes you can make when filing a traffic accident claim is admitting liability. The chances of saying the wrong things or things you might regret later are high when you are in shock after the accident. You need to try to remain calm and think before you speak to avoid making this mistake. The best way is to limit the information that you give the other driver, contact details, your name, or the insurance company.
Failure to collect witness statements
Witness statements offer independent views of how the accident occurred. They are crucial aspects of evidence because they can assist you to boost your accident claim. Most people forget to record the names and contact details of witnesses at the car accident scene due to the confusion. You need to register the details of every person at the scene because tracking down people after the accident is difficult and sometimes impossible.
Hiring the wrong personal injury lawyer
One of the mistakes you should never make when filing for a car accident claim is to hire an inexperienced lawyer. You need an attorney who is qualified and licensed to take you through the claim process and advise you. You should inquire from the personal injury lawyer the experience level, the outcomes of the cases he or she has handled in the past that are similar to yours, and the type of cases dealt with before.
Failure to take videos and photos
You might think that it is awkward to take pictures and videos of the accident scene. But, it is something you will need in the future to substantiate your claim. Also, make sure that the photos and videos are clear and they indicate the injuries and damages.