Getting seriously injured in a car accident is not something that happens to most people on a regular basis, and a lot of people do not know how to react in the following days and weeks. If the accident was not your fault, you are entitled to a financial settlement from the other driver's insurance company, but your actions can determine whether you get the settlement you deserve or get ripped off. If you want the best settlement possible after being hurt in a car accident, avoid the following mistakes:
Not Taking Your Healthcare Seriously
When you're hurt in a car wreck, it is essential to see a doctor and continue your medical care until you make a full recovery. In addition to benefiting your health, taking your healthcare seriously after a car accident can increase your settlement since your medical records will detail the exact extent of your injuries and how long it took for you to heal. These details will become very important when negotiating a settlement amount.
Failing to Hire a Lawyer
One of the most common mistakes people make after being seriously hurt in a car accident is not hiring a lawyer. Many people think that a lawyer's fees will be too high and that they can't afford the extra expense.
In reality, most car accident lawyers work on a contingency basis and receive a percentage of your settlement, so you don't have to pay a dime out of pocket. Having a reputable lawyer working on your behalf can make a huge difference-- he or she will know how to build up the evidence in your claim and have experience with working with insurance companies. Don't make the mistake of trying to settle a claim yourself-- hire a car accident lawyer as soon as possible after you are injured in a car crash.
Trusting the Insurance Company
Insurance companies may employ very courteous representatives, but at the end of the day the goal of an insurance company is to keep a settlement as small as possible. When the other driver's insurance company contacts you and asks for your statement, avoid talking to them or saying anything that could be used to try to assign partial fault to you. There is no reason to be rude, but you should make it clear to the insurance company representative that you are not interested in talking to them-- provide the contact information for your lawyer's office instead.
