If you’ve been involved in an auto accident, the moments immediately following the incident can be overwhelming, especially if you or another party has been injured. Being injured in an auto accident is a traumatic experience, making it difficult to remember the steps you should take to protect your rights. Unfortunately, without realizing it, many victims make mistakes that jeopardize the future of their case. Please continue reading to learn about some of the most common mistakes auto accident victims make after an auto accident to ensure you avoid making the same ones. If you’ve been injured in an accident due to another driver’s negligence, contact an experienced New York City Auto Accidents Attorney who can help you fight to attain the maximum compensation you may be entitled to.
What are some accident victims’ biggest mistakes after a collision in New York?
Following an auto accident, victims must take the proper steps to safeguard their legal rights. If they fail to do so, it could hinder their ability to collect monetary compensation for their damages. One of the biggest mistakes accident victims make after a crash is not contacting the police. Despite agreeing with the other party on what happened, you must still report the accident to the police. It’s imperative to call the police as they will collect valuable evidence at the accident scene, including witness statements that can work in your favor later on. It will document critical information regarding the crash.
Another huge mistake accident victims make is refusing or delaying medical attention at the accident scene. Even if you think that you are hurt or that your injuries are minor, seeking immediate medical attention is always critical. Certain types of injuries may not become evidence for days after an accident. Medical professionals will be able to identify potential problems before they become symptomatic and treat them accordingly. In addition, they can attest to the extent and severity of your injuries, providing you with valuable evidence. It’s important to keep track of all damages, including medical expenses.
Alongside refusing medical attention, you should not make the mistake of not collecting evidence from the accident scene. You should take pictures of the damage to your vehicle, damage to the other vehicle involved, and your injuries. Write down the names of witnesses and their contact information, as they may be able to corroborate your claim later on. Gathering evidence from the accident scene is critical as it will help you prove the other party’s negligence.
Moreover, you may be convinced that the accident was your fault. However, you should refrain from admitting guilt as it could diminish your ability to recover compensation for your incurred damages. Do not make the mistake of apologizing or saying anything that can be constructed as an admission of guilt. When speaking to the police, stick to the facts.
Should I consult an attorney?
Furthermore, one of the most significant mistakes accident victims make is not retaining the legal services of a seasoned attorney. An attorney will help you investigate the circumstances of the accident and assist in collecting pertinent evidence that can hold responsible parties accountable for their negligence. The insurance company may push you to accept an early settlement as you may not know how much you may be entitled to without assessing your case with an attorney.
If you’ve been injured in an auto accident due to someone else’s negligence, contact a determined attorney from Sweling Law, who can help you fight for maximum compensation.
