Car Accidents
What Not To Do After A Car Accident: 10 Mistakes to Avoid
There are many dos and don'ts following a car accident; this article explores what not to do after a motor vehicle accident.
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10 Things Not To Do After A Car Accident
Following a car accident, there are certain actions you can take that could negatively affect your car accident claim, resulting in legal and financial consequences.
Knowing the things you should not do after a car accident is vital to protecting your rights and obtaining a fair settlement.
In this guide, an experienced car accident attorney from the Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer Law Firm will explain the top 10 things NOT to do after a car crash.
1. Don't Leave the Accident Scene
Even if the car accident is minor or it's a single-vehicle accident, do not leave the scene of the car crash, as doing so can result in serious legal consequences such as jail time, fines, and license suspension, as stated in Nevada Revised Statutes NRS 484E.020.
In addition to facing legal and financial consequences, if you flee the scene of a car accident, you may lose your right to receive compensation for the injuries and damages you sustained.
You must remain at the accident scene until you provide the other parties with the necessary information and law enforcement has cleared you to leave.
2. Not Calling the Police
After a car accident, failing to report the auto accident to a police officer can create legal and insurance claim complications that could result in you not obtaining fair compensation or your insurance provider denying your claim.
By contacting the police after a car accident, you ensure that an official police report is made on the accident scene, which can be vital evidence for your auto accident claim.
3. Admitting Fault
Even if you believe you were at fault for the car accident, you must never admit fault, as admitting fault on the accident scene could be used against you in insurance claim negotiations or court.
To admit fault or even say 'sorry' could mean the end of your car accident claim, so it's vital that you avoid doing so and leave the investigation to your personal injury attorney and insurance adjusters.
4. Not Gathering Evidence
Many car accident victims fail to gather significant evidence on the scene of the car crash, which results in weaker claims and payouts, so it is vital that you prioritize gathering evidence such as:
- Photos and videos of the accident scene
- Witness contact information
- Police report
By gathering the evidence listed above, you can give your car accident lawyer a running start, which could significantly improve your settlement offer.
5. Skipping Medical Treatment
Even if you feel fine after a car accident, it's crucial that you seek medical attention, as not doing so could result in:
- Health Complications: Some car accident injuries don't show immediate symptoms, and by not seeking medical treatment, you may risk these accident injuries getting worse.
- Personal Injury Claim Issues: If you do not seek medical attention after a motor vehicle accident, you will lack medical records that work as vital evidence in proving injuries in accident claims.
In addition to seeking medical treatment, it's also important that you obtain follow-up medical treatment and adhere to any medical advice given to you by your healthcare provider, as it not only ensures a faster recovery but strengthens the value of your injury claim by showing that you took your injuries seriously.
6. Talking with the Other Party’s Insurance Company
Talking with the other parties' insurance companies with assistance from an experienced car accident attorney can prove detrimental to your personal injury claim, possibly resulting in a low settlement.
As insurance adjusters from the opposing side may use your statements to avoid paying compensation or deny your claim.
7. Accepting a Quick Settlement Offer
Insurance companies often offer car accident victims a quick settlement offer for their injuries and damages that seems fair but is, in reality, far less than what the accident victim is entitled to.
If the insurance company offers you a quick settlement, you should deny it but write down the amount they offer you and have your attorney review it to ensure it's fair.
In summary, if you seek fair compensation, it's important to avoid accepting quick settlement offers and consult with a car accident lawyer to ensure you receive maximum compensation.
8. Not Seeking Help from a Car Accident Lawyer
Following a motor vehicle accident, not having a personal injury attorney handle your car accident case can be devastating to your claim, especially if your claim involves serious injuries, significant medical bills, extensive property damage, or disputed liability.
If you don't obtain legal representation, insurance companies may violate your legal rights or give you a low settlement. Therefore, it's highly recommended that you contact one of our experienced car accident lawyers who has experience dealing with the legal process.
9. Posting Information About the Car Accident on Social Media
Sharing details about your car accident on social media can jeopardize your legal rights as insurance companies and opposing attorneys will use your social media post against you in an injury claim, especially if you post information about your car accident injuries.
It's highly recommended that you refrain from posting any information about your car accident case until your claim is fully resolved.
10. Not Notifying Your Insurance Company About the Accident
Failing to promptly notify your insurance provider that you were in a car accident can lead to complications with your claim. Your insurance company may have a policy requiring you to inform them of an accident within a specific time frame, and failure to follow this policy could result in your claim being denied.
What to Do After a Car Accident
Properly handling the aftermath of a car accident is vital to ensuring fair compensation; the recommended steps you should take after an auto accident are:
- Ensure Safety: Immediately after the accident, ensure the safety of yourself and your passengers, and check the car accident victims for any injuries. If anybody is injured, call 911.
- Call the Police:No matter the severity of the accident, you must contact law enforcement as it's a legal obligation and will provide you with an official accident report, which will be vital to your car insurance claim.
- Exchange Information: Apporach the parties involved in the auto accident and exchange insurance and contact information. Prioritize obtaining names, addresses, phone numbers, and driver's license numbers.
- Document the Scene: Gather evidence on the accident scene by taking photos and videos of damage to vehicles, visible injuries, road conditions, traffic signs, and skid marks.
- Seek Medical Treatment: Seek medical attention as soon as possible after the accident, as official medical records can help support your claim and obtain a fair settlement.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Inform your insurance company that you were in an accident and provide them with all the necessary details and information they ask for.
- Consult with a Personal Injury Attorney: If your car accident involves multiple parties, serious injuries, or extensive property damage, contact an attorney who can help you navigate the car accident legal process.
If you were injured in a car accident in Las Vegas, contact The Rodney Okano Car Accident Law Firm, where we have over 20 years of experience in accident law and have helped hundreds of car accident victims get justice.
Contact an Experienced Las Vegas Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you were injured in a car accident in Las Vegas, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries and damages; however, whether you obtain maximum compensation or not depends on the Las Vegas car accident lawyer you chose to represent you.
If you want to be ensured maximum compensation, contact experienced Nevada auto accident lawyer Rodney Okano, who has over 20+ years of experience in personal injury law and vast experience dealing with car insurance adjusters.
Attorney Rodney Okano will gather evidence, negotiate with the insurance company, and even take your case to court if necessary, all to ensure that you receive compensation for your injuries and damages.
Schedule a free consultation with Las Vegas car accident attorney Rodney Okano today by calling (702) 566-3600.
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