If you were recently involved in a car accident, you may feel overwhelmed or confused about what to do next. While many people know to do things like contact a Missouri car crash lawyer right away, there are some important things not to do, as well. Some common mistakes can jeopardize personal injury claims for car accident victims. The following are some of the prevent accident victims from obtaining the compensation that they need and deserve.
Mistake # 1 – Waiting Too Long
You do not have an infinite amount of time after a car accident to pursue the compensation that you deserve. Instead, each state has a statute of limitations that provides a time limitation in which a person must bring a lawsuit for their damages. Otherwise, that person will be forever barred from pursuing any recovery. By waiting too long, you might lose your chance to file a personal injury claim, and you also risk the possibility of losing evidence that is critical to establishing how an accident occurred. Remember that it is almost always a good idea to commence your claim sooner rather than later. An experienced Missouri will quickly make sure to investigate and ensure that evidence is preserved.
Mistake # 2 – Not Contacting the Police
Even if your accident does not appear to have resulted in substantial damage, you should make sure to report the accident to the police. By creating a report of an accident, you are creating an official record — a persuasive piece of evidence that helps to establish how an accident occurred as well as what damages resulted from the crash.
Mistake # 3 – Waiting To Get Treatment or Permitting Gaps in Treatment
In the immediate aftermath of car crashes in Missouri, victims will encounter many people and entities, including law enforcement, any other involved drivers, witnesses, and insurance carriers. Often people refuse treatment immediately following an accident because they are afraid of incurring medical bills from an ambulance and an emergency room. The refusal to treat can harm an injured victim in two ways—first, an injured person who needs medical attention isn’t receiving it, and second, it can diminish the value of the injured person’s claim. Insurance companies and defense attorneys commonly argue that if a person’s injuries were severe enough, that person would have needed to immediately get medical attention. They also make similar arguments when a person has gaps in treatment—these gaps include days, weeks, or months. If you have been injured in an accident, it is always best to get treatment as soon as possible following a motor vehicle accident.
Mistake # 4 – Agreeing to a Quick Settlement
Quick settlements can seem attractive. Not only does it mean you will receive compensation promptly, but settling now also means that you will not have to proceed to court. In reality, however, settling early is often only good for your insurance carrier, who wants to spend as little as possible to settle your claim. Many times, insurance carriers count on victims being desperate to resolve matters and willing to take an offer that is lower than they deserve. This is occurring very often right now in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. Remember, though, that once you settle your case, you likely will be prohibited from reopening your claim.
Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney
It can be hard to know how to respond after Missouri car crashes. One of the best steps that you can take is to promptly retain the assistance of an experienced attorney. Contact House Law LLC today to schedule a free case evaluation.
Tags: auto accident, car accident
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