Have you been injured in a car accident caused by a reckless or distracted driver? If so, you might believe that being honest and cooperative with insurance adjusters is your best chance at receiving the financial compensation you deserve. Unfortunately, insurance adjusters are not working in your favor. Their goal is to deny you the money you rightfully deserve in your personal injury claim.
Apologizing to the Other Driver
After a car accident, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed and disoriented. Your initial reaction may be to rush over to the other driver and apologize for the accident, even if you are not at fault. However, a simple apology can significantly impact your car accident case.
Apologizing can make the other driver believe that you are admitting fault or taking the blame for the accident. It may also lead to police officers assigning you a ticket. If you are held responsible for the accident by an officer, it becomes much more challenging to receive the compensation you deserve.
While it is okay to check on the other driver’s well-being, it’s important to avoid discussing the accident. Focus on ensuring the safety of yourself and everyone in your vehicle, and then call for medical assistance if needed.
Posting on Social Media
If you are pursuing a personal injury claim after a car accident, you must be mindful of your online presence. You may think that posting a photo of yourself at a family event or sharing your new car purchase after the accident is harmless. However, these actions can negatively impact your car accident case.
Insurance adjusters often research claimants’ social media profiles and use any posts against them. They may argue that if you were well enough to attend a family gathering or buy a new car, your injuries are not as severe as you claim.
The best course of action is to deactivate your social media accounts until your case is resolved and you have received your settlement.
Sharing Too Much Information
Insurance companies will try to extract information from you that they can use against you. One common tactic is requesting access to your medical records. If you are an honest person with nothing to hide, you might see this as a simple request that will expedite the process. However, adjusters only want access to your medical records to search for any previous physical traumas that may contribute to your current pain and suffering.
Police Report and Medical Attention
One crucial piece of evidence is the police report. This is the report filed after law enforcement has been contacted and completes an assessment of the collision. A copy may be obtained for the case by a lawyer or in certain instances the victim of the incident. If the police officer does not fill this document out when at the scene, it is essential to request that he or she does so before anything is concluded. Observations, details about the accident and even statements provided by available witnesses are all usually in this report. Without this piece of paperwork, a case may be weaker.
After the initial accident and police involvement has been completed, the victim of the incident should seek medical care for all injuries and harm sustained. Broken bones, internal concerns and greater health conditions should be taken care of immediately. If the time of a physician or doctor is not sought soon after an event, the opposing legal counsel may use this against the victim once litigation commences. Additionally, the health of the harmed person may be negatively impacted with the possibility of long-term care being needed when assistance is not sought quickly. While treatment may be expensive, the lack of it may end the life of someone in an accident in a timely manner.
Not Telling the Doctor Everything Important
Every symptom that may arise is important after an injury occurs due to a car accident. Even the most minor of bruises could be something more in disguise. Any ache could lead to long-term damage. Headaches might be a symptom of brain damage just as much as back pain often is due to severe trauma to certain areas. It is vital to tell the physician that is seen everything that occurs in the aftermath of a collision. Additionally, the patient must disclose all previous problems as well as allergies and any adverse reactions to medication or procedures. Without this information, treatment may cause worse conditions.
Insurance Companies and Legal Advice
After an accident occurs, it is important to contact the insurance carrier the policy exists with. However, even before this, it is essential to document everything possible. This should include pictures of the scene, witness statements, the police report and other evidence such as weather and road conditions. Then the insurance company should be contacted about what occurred. All information provided should be double documented by the policyholder so everything may be verified later if necessary. The initial conversation and interview about the incident may be extensive and imposing. There may be questions asked that seem unrelated, but everything should be answered as best as possible.
Free Consultation for Car Accident Injury Victims
During a consultation for a car accident case, the attorney will assess the details of your situation and the damages you have suffered. Initially, you will have the opportunity to explain the facts of the accident to the attorney or their representative, such as a legal secretary or paralegal. After providing your account, you will be asked follow-up questions to gather more information. These may include whether you have spoken to insurance company representatives or others regarding the accident, the details of your insurance coverage, and if there were any witnesses and their contact information.
It is crucial to share all relevant information about the accident, even if you feel it may be embarrassing or detrimental to your case. Remember, the first meeting is protected by attorney-client privilege, and holding back information can ultimately harm your case. By providing a complete and truthful account, your attorney can make informed decisions about representing you. Withholding information that later emerges can lead to complications and wasted time and money on the case.
So, it is vital to be open and honest during the consultation to ensure that your attorney has a comprehensive understanding of your car accident case.
Attorney Caruthers is an experienced personal injury attorney who offers free consultations to individuals injured in motor vehicle accidents. If you want the at-fault party to be held accountable for your accident, ensuring compensation for your medical treatment, vehicle damage, and suffering, contact our office today.
Our team will help you avoid these surprising ways that can harm your car accident case and provide you with legal guidance to achieve the best possible outcome.
Spanish-Speaking Car Accident Lawyer in Houston, Texas
Spanish-speaking individuals may encounter difficulties in seeking justice for their personal injury cases due to language barriers. This can prevent them from taking action against those responsible for their financial and physical damages. At the Law Office of Beverly R. Caruthers, we refuse to let language barriers hinder your right to justice and compensation. If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident and requires Spanish-speaking legal advice, our team is here to support you.
Personal Injury Lawyer in Houston, Texas
If you or someone you love has been involved in a car accident, resulting in injuries, loss of income, or the inability to work, you can benefit from the services of a Houston car accident expert in your personal injury case. Whether you missed work due to an injury or lack of access to a vehicle, Attorney Beverly R. Caruthers can assist you!
Caruthers Law Firm
Address: 4141 Southwest Fwy, Suite 400
Houston, TX 77027
(713) 526-9557
View our Website
View our Facebook page
View our Google Listing