Even though being in a car accident can be emotionally taxing, knowing what to do after the accident is very important. Most accident victims are not aware of steps they should take and make mistakes that have a negative impact on their personal injury claims in the weeks after the accident.
Actions like not seeking medical attention or waiting too long to file a claim can result in a claim being devalued or denied completely, which will leave you with expensive medical bills and other losses that you are responsible for. In this article, we will lay out the top mistakes people make after an accident in New Jersey so that you are fully aware of what to do and what mistakes to avoid.
Speaking with a NJ car accident lawyer is something you should absolutely do after an accident, even if you think it is only minor. The legal team at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law can advise you on the necessary steps to take to ensure you receive a fair settlement for your damages.
Common Mistakes Made After A Car Accident Injury
As mentioned, we will list some of the top mistakes accident victims make and how they may impact your case. Knowing these common mistakes and staying away from making them yourself will help you reach a successful resolution to your case.
Do Not Say You're "OKAY" After The Accident
This is very important. If you make any statements that claim you are "okay" or "fine" after an accident, an insurance company will absolutely use it against you to drastically pay you less compensation or deny your claim entirely. After an accident, one of the most common mistakes people make is underestimating the extent of their injuries. Underestimating your injuries can lead to the appearance that you are not really injured and can complicate the process of recovering your losses.
Delaying Medical Care
You risk making your injuries worse if you delay seeking medical care, as well as documenting your injuries, which will impact your claim later. Investigating the accident too late could result in the loss of important evidence. You may not even be able to retain a lawyer if you wait too long, as your case could be ruined.
Taking Responsibility or Admitting It Was Your Fault
After an accident, never say "I'm sorry," as this could be taken as an admission of guilt. Never offer an apology, especially when the accident isn't your fault.
Giving The Insurance Company Too Much Info
Keep in mind that insurance companies have their own interests and will do all in their power to limit or deny your claim. Refrain from discussing the specifics of your accident, including who was at fault or your injuries until you have consulted a car accident lawyer. If you must speak with insurance, just give them basic information about the accident and limit any excessive details.
Taking A Settlement Too Quickly
A quick settlement isn't the same as a full settlement. It's important to understand that once you accept a settlement from the insurance company, you cannot reopen your lawsuit if you find out later that you have injuries that you didn't know about or that you require further medical treatment. The medical costs from these later treatments will be your own responsibility.
Lying About Your Past Accident History
Avoid trying to conceal a previous accident from your attorney. If you file a legal claim, the other side will want to know how many accidents you've had in the past. While it is fairly easy to find out, as every insurance company has access to databases that hold information about accident claims, the question is generally to test your credibility. If you try to lie to the insurance company about your accident history without telling your lawyer, you will likely lose your claim.
Lying About Your Past Injury History
Avoid lying to your attorney about past injuries or trying to exaggerate your current injuries. You should be completely honest and open with your attorney about any injuries you may have sustained prior to or following this specific accident. If you have previous conditions, there are likely medical records that show this. If your lawyer is aware of this, they can handle it. Your case will most likely be lost if you lie about it and the insurance company finds out.
Been in a Car Accident and Need Help? Brandon J. Broderick Is Here For You
After a car accident, you need the best medical care available. Don't make any of the common mistakes, let us help you from the very beginning.
The NJ car accident lawyers at Brandon J. Broderick are here to assist you in navigating the process.
For a free consultation, give us a call today. We service clients throughout Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, and the entire state of New Jersey.