Car Accident Mistakes You Don’t Even Know You’re Making

car on tow truck after accident | Car Accident Mistakes A car accident can be a frightening ordeal. In the hours and days after a car accident, the steps you take can significantly affect your ability to file a claim and collect compensation. Yet, far too many accident victims make critical mistakes that they don’t even realize they’re making. These car accident mistakes can be costly.

Don’t make these car accident mistakes

Refusing Medical Treatment – after a car accident, you may honestly believe that you escaped unharmed. This is not entirely true – because adrenaline often masks injury symptoms. As such, when the ambulance or police arrive on the scene you may actually tell them that you are “just fine” or “uninjured”. These words can come back to haunt you if you need to file a claim. Even if you believe that you are uninjured, be sure to seek medical help and get examined by a qualified medical professional.
Not Filing Accident Reports – you may be tempted to skip calling the police after a minor collision. Even when the other party insists that you avoid involving the police, it is best to file an accident report. Never leave the scene of an accident without calling the police. An accident report is critical to proving fault and collecting compensation.
Admitting Fault – even if you believe that the accident was entirely your fault, avoid admitting fault to the other drivers or to eye witnesses. Until you have all the facts, do not admit fault. There may be other circumstances involved and you may not be entirely to blame for your accident.
Involving Social Media – it is common after many life events to comment on social media. Accident victims, however, should refrain from posting any details about the accident on social media sites, such as Twitter and Facebook. This can totally and completely derail your case and give the insurance company the ammunition they need to deny your claim.
Missing Doctor’s Appointments – if you are injured, be sure to attend all doctor’s appointments and therapy sessions, and be sure to get all medications filled promptly. Failing to comply with your doctor’s suggestions gives insurance companies the impression that you are not as injured as you claim to be. After all, if you were truly in pain, you would have made your doctor’s appointments.
Returning to Work TOO Quickly – after an accident, you may feel pressured to go back to work so you can support your family. Never return to work without full clearance by your physician. Returning to work can have a negative impact on your settlement and it can make your injuries worse.
Failing to Gather Evidence & Records – after an accident, be sure to jot down everything you remember. Gather the license plate of the negligent driver, as well as pertinent insurance information. Snap pictures of the accident scene, damage to your vehicle, your injuries, and any other information that seems important. In addition, keep meticulous records of your crash. Keep medical receipts in an organized way, including lost wages. This will help your attorney when seeking compensation.
Failing to Contact an Attorney – many accident victims mistakenly accept the first settlement the insurance company gives them. They may believe that this is sufficient for the injuries and damage they sustained. Unfortunately, this is not always true and accident victims can be left with far too little money to offset the rising medical expenses. Always speak to an experienced Colorado personal injury attorney. They offer free consultations and can review all of your legal options with you after an accident.

Contact Our Experienced Broomfield Personal Injury Lawyers

If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident in Broomfield, Northglenn, Westminster, Thornton, or anywhere in Colorado, it is important to contact our experienced personal injury attorneys immediately. At Hull & Zimmerman, P.C., our committed personal injury lawyers are dedicated to the belief that everyone deserves justice. Contact us at (303) 423-1770 or (866) 385-3505.

Our personal injury lawyers have extensive experience representing injured accident victims in Broomfield, Arvada, Superior, Lafayette, Louisville, Erie, Brighton, Commerce City, Northglenn, Westminster, Thornton, Longmont, and throughout Colorado.