3 Mistakes To Avoid After You're Hurt In A Car Crash
Sustaining injuries in a car accident that wasn't your fault can completely disrupt your life, and you deserve to be compensated by the other driver's insurance company. Unfortunately, getting a fair settlement is not always easy, and in some situations it can take a long time to get your check. When you want to make sure that you get the financial settlement that you are entitled to, avoid making the following mistakes:
Not Seeking Proper Medical Care
The types of injuries that you sustain play a big part in determining your settlement amount. It is not enough to tell the other driver's insurance company that you now have severe back or neck pain-- it is important to back up your statements with medical records. After being hurt in a car accident, it is in your best interest to immediately make an appointment to see your doctor. In addition to being an important part of your recovery, going to the doctor and attending every follow up appointment will document exactly what type of injuries you have and show how long it takes to make a full recovery.
Failing to Hire an Attorney
One of the most common reason people decide to not hire a personal injury attorney after being injured in a car accident is because they don't think they can afford to. This is actually a myth-- most personal injury lawyers do not require a retainer or any type of upfront payment from their clients. Instead, they will receive a percentage of your settlement to cover the fees for their services.
Hiring an experienced personal injury attorney from a firm like Sarkisian, Sarkisian & Associates PC, preferably one who specializes in car accident cases, is one of the best things that you can do to ensure that you get the best settlement possible. Your attorney will know exactly how to deal with the legal team from the insurance company, and he or she will have the skills to build up your claim through evidence and negotiate on your behalf in order to secure a fair settlement.
Speaking with the Other Driver's Insurance Company
One thing that you have to remember is that the other driver's insurance company is not on your side, no matter how nice their representatives are. Most insurance companies want to pay out as little as possible and will look for any way to keep settlements as small as they can. After you're hurt in a car crash, you can expect the other driver's insurance company to contact you-- do not speak with them or give them any type of written or verbal statement. You don't want your words or answers to questions to be turned around and used to try to make you look partially at fault for the accident. Ask the insurance company to get in touch with your lawyer if they have any questions.
