Top 10 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Suing for Car Accident Damages
Accidents and mishaps happen constantly; nevertheless, this prevalence doesn’t trivialize the grief and uncertainty you experience when it happens to you or a beloved. However, if you get involved in an auto accident, it’s vital to understand the crucial steps to take. Significantly, in the heat of the moment, people often overreact and make blunders that jeopardize their chances of getting what they deserve. So, recognizing what measures to take and what errors to avoid can save you a fortune in damages. Alternatively, it’s always fruitful to enlist the best personal injury attorney in Sacramento to assume all the stress of filing a lawsuit, allowing you to focus on other things.
While auto accident cases are time-consuming, arduous, and emotionally taxing, taking the necessary steps can streamline the process and help you get the desired compensation if the Fault lies solely with the other driver. So, heed the following pitfalls to prevent if you plan to pursue a personal injury lawsuit.
Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Car Accident Lawsuit
● Delaying Medical Attention
One of the most prevalent mistakes people often make is neglecting medical assistance. Never underestimate your injuries; even if you believe your injuries are minor, you should get medical attention instantly after the accident. Soft injuries like whiplash or internal damage may not manifest symptoms immediately. Failing to seek medical assistance may be detrimental to your health and weaken your case. So, ensure to visit a doctor once.
● Not Gathering Evidence
Evidence plays an indispensable role in achieving a successful personal injury claim. Unable to collect the evidence at the accident scene might gravely undermine your case. Thus, capture the accident details, including car damage, road conditions, and pertinent signage, to give an explicit overview of what happened. Additionally, gather contact information from witnesses and exchange information with the other party in the accident. This documentation is fruitful for your attorney to construct a compelling case.
● Admitting Fault
Never admit blame at the accident scene, even if you suspect you may have contributed to the accident. Consult an experienced auto accident attorney in Sacramento before making any remarks, as anything you say can be used against you in court by the other party. Thus, stick to the facts while speaking with cops and the other driver.
● Not Reporting the Accident
Some people don’t bother to file a complaint to the police, especially if it’s a minor fender bender. A police record is a factual record of what happened in the accident. It attests to what happened, preventing the other driver or witness from making false allegations. Thus, always notify law enforcement of an accident. Moreover, the official report can be used as evidence in your case, increasing its winning chances.
● Settling Too Quickly
Insurers are notorious for offering fast settlements to reduce claims. Accepting quick settlements without first speaking with an attorney is a hasty decision you might regret later. Since injuries may take months to appear, you might be entitled to more compensation than was initially granted by the insurers. A competent lawyer will evaluate the true value of your case and negotiate on your behalf.
● Not Keeping Records
Keep meticulous records of any accident-related expenses, including medical bills, car repair receipts, and any other costs incurred from the accident. Failure to retain these records may make it hard to quantify your damages when filing a claim.
● Ignoring the Statute of Limitations
Every state follows a statute of limitations that stipulates the timeframe to file a personal injury lawsuit. In California, you generally have two years from the accident date to file a claim. However, while the duration varies from state to state, the court may dismiss your lawsuit if you miss the deadline. Thus, it’s imperative not to overlook the statute of limitations and proceed with your case quickly.
● Disclosing Your Case on Social Media
In today’s digital era, posting everything on Social Media, from personal information to everyday activities, is tempting. However, sharing your car accident or injuries on social media could negatively affect your case. Insurance companies and opposing counsel often explore social media for some proof to use against you. Therefore, avoiding disclosing your case or injuries online is advisable until it has been settled.
● Not Seeking Legal Counsel
Trying to manage your personal injury claim without legal guidance can be an expensive error. Since insurance firms use teams of adjusters and attorneys to lessen compensation, having an attorney on your side can level the playing field by assisting you in navigating the legal system’s intricacies and advocating for your rights.
● Choosing the Wrong Attorney
Not all lawyers are created equal, and hiring the wrong attorney may cost you a fortune, hindering your odds of winning fair compensation. Thus, when choosing a lawyer, consider their experience, track record of success, specialization, prominence, and communication skills. Engaging a qualified and knowledgeable attorney can make a significant difference in your case, going above and beyond to get you the desired compensation.