Being in a car accident is a shocking and overwhelming experience, leaving you dealing with physical, emotional, and financial consequences. In a high-stress situation like this, it’s easy to make critical mistakes that can harm your health, legal standing, and ability to get fair compensation. From not seeking medical attention right away to overlooking the importance of gathering evidence at the scene, these common mistakes can complicate the claims process and limit your rights.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the steps to take after a car accident, common mistakes to avoid, and how working with an experienced car accident lawyer in Raleigh can help you navigate the car accident claims process to get the compensation you deserve.
At the Scene
After a car accident, the actions you take at the scene are critical. They can impact your personal injury claim. Here are the steps to follow immediately after an accident.
Call the Police and Get an Official Police Report
The first thing you should do is call the police. An official police report is a key document that provides an objective account of the accident. This report will be important if you need to file an insurance claim or if you decide to pursue a personal injury lawsuit. It will have the time and location of the accident, the parties involved, and any witness statements. Always ask for a copy for your records.
Safety and Severity of the Accident
Your safety and the safety of others is the most important. If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location off the road. Turn on your hazard lights. Assess the severity of the accident and check for visible injuries to all parties involved. If anyone is injured, call for medical help immediately. Remember, even minor injuries should be seen by a medical professional, as some symptoms may not show up right away.
Photograph the Scene and Get Witness Statements
Take photos of the accident scene from different angles. Capture the damage to all vehicles, road conditions, traffic signs, and any other relevant details that will help your case. Also try to get contact information from any witnesses. Their statements will be valuable to your claim. Document everything so you can establish the facts and clarify what happened.
Communication and Information Exchange
After an accident, exchanging information is important. But you have to do it carefully to protect your rights.
Exchange Insurance Info and Contact Info Without Admitting Fault
When you talk to the other driver, get their insurance info and contact information. This is important for filing a claim later. But don’t discuss fault or make statements that could be interpreted as an admission of guilt. Just gather facts.
Avoid Recorded Statements to Insurance Adjusters
Insurance adjusters will contact you after the accident to get information. It’s best to avoid giving recorded statements without speaking to a personal injury attorney first. Anything you say can be used against you later and hurt your personal injury claim. Instead, direct all communication about the accident to your attorney. They can handle the insurance company and protect your rights.
Medical and Documentation
After a car accident you need to get medical attention right away. Even if you feel fine, injuries can take time to show up. You should get seen by a medical professional as soon as possible. This step not only prioritizes your health but also creates an official record of your injuries, which will be important for your personal injury claim.
Why Immediate Medical Attention is Important
Timely medical evaluation is important for several reasons. First, it will help identify hidden injuries such as concussions or internal damage that may not be visible right away. Second, it will establish a timeline of your medical care, which will help your case later on. If you wait too long to get treatment, the insurance company will argue your injuries are not serious or were caused by something else.
Follow Up with Medical Evaluation
After the first visit, you need to follow up with your medical provider. Regular medical checkups and treatments show you are taking your recovery seriously. Keeping all medical appointments and following treatment plans will document the extent of your injuries and the care you need. This documentation will be important to prove your case and get compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Medical Orders
Once you get medical attention, you need to follow all medical orders. This means taking prescribed medications, attending physical therapy sessions, and following any recommended lifestyle changes. Not only will this help your recovery but also show you are committed to addressing your injuries. If you don’t follow medical advice, it can hurt your personal injury claim, as the insurance company will argue you are not taking your recovery seriously.
Insurance Companies
After an accident, dealing with insurance companies can be overwhelming. Many people make mistakes that can hurt their claim. Here are some things to keep in mind.
Accident Report
You need to report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Most policies require it. If you don’t, you may have complications with your claim. Give them the details: date, time, location of the accident, and a brief description of what happened.
Don’t Talk to the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Adjuster
If the other driver is at fault, their insurance adjuster will contact you. Don’t talk to them. They are trained to get information that can be used against you. Instead refer them to your attorney or insurance rep. This will protect your interests and make sure you don’t accidentally admit fault or give information that can hurt your claim.
Don’t Sign Releases Too Soon
Be careful about signing any documents or releases from the insurance company. They may ask you to sign a release of liability for a settlement offer. This can limit your ability to get more compensation later. Before signing anything, talk to a personal injury attorney who can review the terms and advise you on what to do.
Legal and Professional Guidance
After an accident you need to understand the legal landscape to protect your rights. A personal injury attorney can help you navigate your case. Here’s why you need professional guidance:
Car Accident Attorney
Talking to a car accident attorney right after an accident can make a big difference. These attorneys know the ins and outs of personal injury claims. They will help you understand your rights and options so you’re not taken advantage of by insurance companies.
An attorney can help you gather evidence, negotiate with insurers, and represent you in court if needed. Their knowledge of local laws and regulations is huge. Especially in North Carolina, where the laws are strict on liability and negligence.
North Carolina’s Contributory Negligence Rule
North Carolina is a contributory negligence state, which can hurt your claim. Under this rule, if you’re found to be even 1% at fault for the accident, you can’t recover anything. So it’s crucial to have clear evidence of the other party’s fault.
An experienced attorney can help you navigate this complex legal landscape. They can prove the other driver was mostly at fault and protect your right to get compensation for your injuries and damages. Without proper legal guidance, you may lose out on potential recovery because of misunderstanding or misapplication of this rule.
Deadline to File a Claim
In personal injury cases, time is of the essence. There are deadlines to file claims, and if you miss those, you can lose your chance to get compensation. A personal injury attorney can help you stay on top of deadlines and paperwork so your case gets handled quickly and smoothly.
Consult With an Experienced Car Accident Attorney To Avoid Mistakes For Your Claim!
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, navigating the aftermath can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with insurance companies, medical expenses, and legal complexities. Don’t go through it alone—let our experienced team at Mogy Law guide you every step of the way.
Contact us at (901) 443-9133 for a free case consultation today!
