The Most Expensive Mistakes After a Car Accident
Driving is the most common method to get around. Whether you are driving to work, school, or even taking a road trip, your vehicle is one of the most dependable ways to get where you are going. Unfortunately, car accidents happen, and luckily, most are minor. However, some crashes are severe and cause serious and sometimes fatal injuries to drivers and passengers.
Whether you are a careful driver or a madman in your new corvet, the odds of getting into a crash or a fender bender are at the highest they’ve been in the last ten years. In other words, it’s an excellent time to evaluate your car insurance policy and see what is covered after an accident.
Furthermore, every driver should know what to do at the scene of an accident. Your response after an accident could mean the difference between losing thousands of dollars.
Here are the ten most expensive mistakes after a car accident.
1. Not collecting evidence
A car accident is stressful and overwhelming, but you need to keep your composure if your injuries are not severe. Once you have evaluated the situation, take pictures of the damaged cars. Take photos from all angles. Make sure to capture traffic signals, crosswalks, stop signs, road obstructions, blind spots, and other crucial details that might help accident experts piece together what happened. It is also essential to get the name and contact information of any witnesses that saw the accident.
2. Allowing the other driver to get away
Suppose you are involved in a hit-and-run accident. In this case, the uninsured motorist coverage in your policy usually will pay for the damages. If you have minimum liability coverage, you will have to pay for the expenses yourself.
No one expects to be hit by someone who drives away, but it happens every day. If it happens to you, try to write down the license plate or the car’s make and model. The police might be able to stop the driver nearby. Otherwise, you might have a hefty repair bill and medical costs on your hands.
3. Not calling the DMV after a car accident
In most states, you have to notify the DMV within ten days that you have been involved in an accident. If you fail to report, they might suspend your license. You may also have to pay a fee to have it reinstated.
If you hire an attorney their office, will handle communications with the DMV for you—Call (281) 475-4535 to schedule a free consultation today.
4. Signing a release form
After an accident, the at-fault driver may be very friendly and accept accountability for the incident. They might even offer to pay your deductible as long as you sign a release form. No matter what, don’t sign anything until you know the full extent of the damages. Even if you are trying to resolve the situation quickly, this could cost you in the future. Once you sign a release form, the at-fault driver is off the hook. There might be damages to your car that are not visible from the outside. You may also be injured but not realize it because of the adrenaline rushing through your body.
5. Assuming things about your insurance
Most insurance policies cover rental car costs if your vehicle is damaged and needs repairs. However, there are different policies, and yours might not cover this service. Before renting a car, make sure you are covered. The same applies to any other expense you have after the accident. Be aware of which costs will be covered and which you will have to pay for.
6. Settling early
When dealing with the insurance company or the at-fault driver, you’ll hear lowball offers to cover your expenses. You won’t feel that the offer is enough to replace or even repair your vehicle in most cases. Before letting them off the hook, ask for details, and make the company break down the offer to understand it better. Don’t accept any offer before you know your financial responsibility. If you find any miscalculations, make sure you let them know and have it added to your settlement.
7. Ignoring personal injury attorneys
Contacting a trusted attorney that specializes in accident cases can be the best move you make. After leaving the scene, your first call should be to a lawyer. Some crucial evidence may be time-sensitive; it is wise to seek legal guidance and start building your claim as soon as possible. When you hire an attorney, their team will work vigorously to negotiate with the insurance companies to get you additional compensation for
- Future medical costs
- Lost wages from work
- Pain and suffering
- Vehicle repair costs
- And much more
Call (281) 475-4535 to schedule a free consultation today.
8. Apologizing to the other driver
Your first instinct may be to say you are sorry immediately. The other driver and their insurance company may take this as an admission of guilt. They may argue that an innocent person will not apologize. That simple apology could cost you thousands of dollars in money you need to recover from your injuries. Remember that anything you say could be interpreted another way in court.
9. Ignoring injuries
Even if you don’t feel any pain right away, it is crucial to get examined by a medical professional. With the shock of the accident and adrenalin rushing through the body, you might not feel any discomfort. Pain and injuries can get worse days after the accident. It is crucial to get checked by a medical professional right away to get proper treatment for any unseen injuries that you may have.
10. Admitting responsibility
One of the most expensive mistakes you can make after a car accident is admitting responsibility. Even if you feel guilty for what happened, you should not admit fault until you know all the circumstances leading up to the crash. There might have been something on the road that changed the course of your car. Maybe the other driver is intoxicated. These are a few things that you may overlook and jump to admitting responsibility.
Wait until you get all the details of the accident before you accept the blame for an accident. Taking responsibility before getting the details can cost you thousands of dollars.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Personal Injury Attorney today call (281) 475-4535
It is imperative to contact an attorney before calling the insurance company. If you or a loved one has been in an accident, make sure to contact a trusted and experienced attorney. Our network of attorneys have years of experience dealing with accidents and personal injuries. They will negotiate with insurance companies to get you the medical help you need, cover expenses of your damaged vehicle, and get you the compensation you deserve. CALL US ANYTIME (281) 475-4535 or fill out a consultation form here to start the process.