Car crashes can be traumatic experiences, not to mention that they can cause significant physical, emotional, and financial damage. If you are involved in a car accident, you need to know what to do and – more importantly – what mistakes to avoid. Even a small misstep after an accident can lead to disastrous consequences and negative outcomes.
Our car accident lawyer at Cameron Law can guide you through the claims process and ensure that your rights are protected when pursuing your personal injury claim.
Mistakes You Should Avoid After a Car Accident
These are some of the potentially disastrous mistakes you should avoid after a car crash to protect your health and your legal right to compensation.
1. Leaving the Scene of the Crash
One of the most crucial steps to take after a car accident is to ensure that you stay at the scene of the crash until the police arrive. Leaving the scene of an accident, even a minor one, can lead to criminal charges and other legal consequences. It can also hurt your chances of recovering compensation for your damages and injuries. Under Nevada law, you should not leave the scene of the crash even if no one was hurt (Nevada Revised Statutes 484E. 020).
2. Not Calling the Police
If you are involved in a car accident, it is crucial to call the police as soon as possible. A police report can serve as crucial evidence later on, and it can help establish fault and the extent of the damage. It is especially important to call the police if anyone is hurt in the accident.
3. Admitting Fault
You should never admit fault after a car accident, even if you think you might have been responsible. Admitting fault can hurt your chances of recovering compensation and can be used against you in court. It is best to wait for the police and the insurance adjuster to establish fault before making any statements.
4. Not Gathering Evidence at the Scene
It is vital to gather evidence at the scene of a car accident, including taking photos, getting witness statements, and exchanging contact information with the other driver. This information can be important later on when dealing with insurance companies and personal injury claims.
5. Not Seeing a Doctor Right Away
Even if you feel fine after a car accident, you should still see a doctor right away. Some injuries, such as whiplash or concussion, can take hours or even days to show symptoms. Visiting a doctor can help diagnose and treat any injuries you might have sustained.
6. Talking to the Insurance Adjuster Without Consulting with a Lawyer First
You should never speak to the insurance adjuster before consulting with a lawyer first, especially if you are unsure of your legal rights or the extent of your damages. Insurance adjusters are not on your side, and they may try to settle your claim for less than what it is worth.
7. Accepting the First Settlement Offer
Finally, you should never accept the first settlement offer from the insurance company, even if it seems fair. The first settlement offer is often much lower than what you are entitled to, and it rarely takes into consideration future medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
