If you've been involved in an accident that has resulted in injuries, and the accident was not your fault, you've got your work cut out for you. Not only will you be dealing with the injuries, you'll also be left to deal with the insurance company. Now that you need to deal with an insurance company, here are three mistakes you'll want to avoid at all costs.
Admitting Any Type of Fault
After an accident, the insurance company will want to get as much blame off their client as they possibly can. After all, if they can push the blame off on you, they won't have to deal with as much of a financial outpouring. This means that the insurance company will try to get you to admit to being at least partially to blame for the accident. That's why it's crucial that you avoid admitting any type of fault, even a little. This includes when you talk to law enforcement, as well as when you make comments at the scene of the accident. Even saying something as simple as "I'm sorry" at the scene of the accident can be seen as an admission of fault, especially to an insurance company.
Failing to Document Your Injuries
After an accident, you're going to be left to recover from your injuries. Regardless of the severity of the injuries, they're going to have an impact on your life. While you're recovering, it's crucial that you document how your injuries have impacted your life. Failing to document your injuries, can make it difficult for you to get a fair settlement from the insurance company. To avoid problems during the settlement phase, you should keep a detailed journal of how your injuries have interfered with your life, including personal and professional aspects.
Postponing That First Doctor's Visit
After an accident, it's important that you visit the doctor as soon as possible, even if you're not experiencing any pain or don't have any visible injuries. Only a doctor can give you a clean bill of health after an accident. Unfortunately, postponing that first doctor visit can cause serious problems during the negotiations for a settlement. To prevent problems with your claim, and to ensure that you're not dealing with any hidden injuries, you need to visit your doctor right away.
If you've been in an accident, you're going to be dealing with a lot of stress and pain. You might also be dealing with financial issues, especially if you've been unable to work. If you haven't contacted a personal injury attorney, it's time to do that. An attorney, such as Franklin L. Jones, Jr., can help eliminate some of the stress associated with a personal injury case.
