Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Accident in Columbus, OH
When you get into a car crash in Columbus, you may start making a list in your mind of the things you need to do to recover from the accident. However, in addition to knowing what to do after a car accident, you should also think about what actions might jeopardize your financial claims that you should avoid. Some of the most common mistakes that car accident victims make include:
Mistake #1: Not Calling the Police
Ohio law requires law enforcement agencies to file written reports for motor vehicle accidents that result in death, injury, or property damage valued at more than $1,000. As a result, insurance companies usually want police accident reports before accepting liability for injuries or property damage caused by a car accident. When drivers fail to report an accident to police, the lack of a police report can make it more challenging to pursue insurance claims and lead to potential disputes over liability.
Mistake #2: Admitting Fault or Making Incriminating Statements
Some drivers may immediately admit fault for an accident, believing they caused the crash. Alternatively, drivers may instinctively make statements that may seem incriminating, such as saying, “I didn’t see you,” or offering an apology. However, drivers should refrain from admitting fault or saying anything that may sound like an admission of fault, as evidence may show that the other driver caused the crash. When speaking to police or insurance adjusters about a car accident, stick to the facts as you remember them.
Mistake #3: Failing to Seek Medical Attention
Car accidents can cause non-visible injuries that may not manifest pain or other symptoms for several hours or days, as the shock of a car crash can trigger an adrenaline and endorphin rush that dulls pain and other injury symptoms. As a result, people in car accidents may not seek prompt medical attention. However, delaying a visit to the doctor or medical treatment can hurt an injury claim, as the passage of time can weaken the link between the car accident and the injuries. Delaying treatment may also affect claims about the severity of an injury.
Mistake #4: Not Gathering Evidence at the Crash Scene
Drivers and passengers may experience shock and confusion after a car crash and forget to gather evidence at the accident scene, including taking photos or videos of vehicle damage, road conditions, skid marks, traffic controls, and visible injuries, or gathering statements or contact information from eyewitnesses. Unfortunately, failing to collect evidence at the accident scene may result in the loss of critical information that can prove a liability claim.
Mistake #5: Not Timely Notifying Your Insurance Company
Many auto insurance companies require policyholders to report accidents within a specific period to secure coverage for the crash. Prompt reporting of accidents allows insurers to investigate the crash to determine their liability to an insured or a third party. Failing to notify an insurer of a car accident promptly may delay the processing of a claim or lead the insurer to deny coverage.
Mistake #6: Accepting a Quick Settlement from the Insurance Company
Insurance companies frequently offer low settlements early in the claims process, hoping that a car accident victim’s need for money will induce them to accept less than fair value for their claim. However, crash victims may not yet understand the full scope of their losses soon after an accident, but accepting the first settlement offer from an insurer means they cannot seek additional compensation when future expenses arise.
Mistake #7: Not Contacting a Car Accident Attorney
Finally, people in car accidents may jeopardize their legal rights or leave financial compensation on the table if they fail to seek legal counsel and representation from a car accident attorney. An attorney can help accident victims understand their rights and options and pursue insurance claims or lawsuits on the victims’ behalf.
Contact Kitrick, Lewis & Staley-Sladek today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a car accident lawyer to learn more about the errors you should avoid when pursuing a compensation claim to recover money for your injuries and property damage.
