In the aftermath of a car accident, your mind may be spinning. You may be startled, disoriented, and injured.
Unfortunately, there are certain mistakes people commonly make after an accident that could affect their legal case. Knowing what those mistakes are could help you avoid them if you ever find yourself having been injured in a car accident.
Here are 6 common mistakes people make after a car accident that could affect their personal injury claim:
1: Leaving the Scene Without Calling Police
Even in minor accidents, leaving without filing a report can expose you to a hit-and-run charge and will leave you without the official documentation you need for your claim.
2: Delaying Medical Treatment
Every day between the accident and your first medical visit is a day the insurance company will use to argue your injuries were not caused by the crash or were not serious.
3: Giving a Recorded Statement to the Other Driver’s Insurer
You are not legally required to do this, and you should not do it without legal counsel. Adjusters are trained to ask questions designed to elicit statements that minimize your claim.
4: Accepting the First Settlement Offer
Initial offers are almost always lower than what the case is worth. Once you sign a release, you cannot seek additional compensation, even if your medical costs far exceed the settlement amount.
5: Posting About the Accident on Social Media
A photo of you at a family gathering, a post about feeling better, or a check-in at a restaurant can be presented as evidence that your injuries are not as serious as claimed.
6: Waiting Too Long to Contact an Attorney
Evidence has a short shelf life. Surveillance footage is routinely overwritten within 30 to 60 days. Skid marks fade. Witnesses’ memories become less reliable. Early attorney involvement protects all of it.
Learn more about what to do after a car accident in Indianapolis.