The Common Mistakes to Avoid When Claiming Compensation for a Car Accident
David Morey 
Car accidents are pretty common in the US due to the increased road traffic. People tend to be negligent when driving, which is a common cause of accidents. Following are some of the actions of car drivers that lead to car accidents:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol
- Speeding
- Violating traffic rules
- Distracted driving
- Sleep-deprived driving
Other than the above causes, things like weather and road conditions can also result in car accidents. In most situations, someone will be responsible for the accident. That responsible person should compensate for the losses incurred by the victim.
A car accident attorney in your area can help you claim compensation if you are injured in a car accident.
But why do you need a lawyer?
Because insurance companies will lowball accident victims who file a claim without a lawyer’s help.
Insurance companies follow many tactics to reduce or reject the claims of victims. A lawyer can protect you in this situation.
Accident victims make many mistakes that lead to claim rejection. Insurance adjusters are great at capitalizing on victims’ mistakes. Following are some of the mistakes a victim should avoid when claiming compensation:
Not Hiring a Lawyer
The biggest mistake that could completely ruin your case. As said, insurance companies will try their best to reject or reduce your claim.
You may fall victim to one of the insurance companies’ strategies.
Without a lawyer, you may not know the full extent of your damages, which will lead to settling for a lesser amount.
A lawyer can help in investigating the accident, collecting evidence, calculating losses, negotiating with the insurance company, and obtaining fair compensation.
Moreover, they will have connections with many expert witnesses and private investigators. You can’t miss out on these things.
Not Seeking Medical Attention
Some may skip getting medical attention because they don’t have any major injuries. You have to remember that some major injuries, like whiplash, don’t show any symptoms for a long time.
You may sustain similar injuries that don’t show any symptoms. This is why you need to get checked by a doctor as soon as possible. Finding injuries at an early stage can prevent complications.
Not seeking medical attention can hurt your case too. Insurance companies may claim that your injuries are not severe or that you made them worse by not seeking medical attention.
Accepting the First Settlement Offer
Another blunder that most victims make. Insurance companies will reach out to the victim almost immediately after the accident. They will offer a settlement and say that it is the best possible deal for you.
You may believe it if you don’t know what you are doing. When they make you the first offer, you won’t even know the full extent of your damages. So accepting the first offer is not feasible for you.
Speaking with the Insurance Adjuster Without Your Lawyer
Insurance adjusters are wolves in sheep’s clothes. They will act like your friend who is working for your benefit. And you may believe it because they are pretty convincing.
Insurance adjusters will try to get information from you that they can use against you. Anything you say to them may and will be used against you.
A lawyer knows the real agenda of insurance adjusters, but an average accident victim does not. This is why you should never speak with an insurance adjuster without your lawyer’s presence.
Wrapping Up
All it takes is one minor mistake to ruin your case. Making mistakes is not an option for accident victims. You can avoid most of these mistakes by hiring a competent lawyer. Do not make any decisions without consulting your lawyer.
