As much as you are entitled to compensation after a car accident, your words and actions shortly after the crash could affect your claim. Therefore, it is imperative to understand what you need to do to avoid making mistakes that could hurt your chances of getting the compensation you deserve.
Below are some tips that may help protect your car accident claim:
1. Seek medical attention
Medical evidence is crucial to your car accident claim. Without a doctor’s report, it can be hard to ascertain the extent of your injuries or prove the damages you seek after a crash. Additionally, the insurer may downplay the seriousness of your injuries if you fail to seek medical attention.
2. Call the police
Ensure you call the police even if the accident is minor. That way, you can have an independent and reliable report of the accident if there are uncertainties about the crash. For instance, the police report of the accident may rule out claims that you were intoxicated and help establish other facts about the crash.
3. Do not admit fault
You may think that you had something to do with the crash. However, do not make any formal statements suggesting you had anything to do with the accident. They may be used against you during settlement negotiations and negatively affect the potential settlement.
4. Do not rush to settle your claim
You may receive an early offer from the insurer to settle your claim. Do not jump into it without assessing whether it measures up to your damages.
The chances of getting the compensation you deserve are higher if you have the necessary guidance. Therefore, consider seeking legal guidance immediately after the crash to safeguard your interests and help you navigate the claims process.