Accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, and dealing with their aftermath can be a daunting task. In the immediate aftermath of a car crash, it’s essential to know what steps to take to protect your rights and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
However, many people end up making costly mistakes that could hurt their claim without even realizing it! In this blog post, we’ll discuss some common pitfalls that you should avoid and why you should hire a San Bernardino car accident lawyer.
Not Reporting the Accident to the Police
One of the most critical mistakes you can make in an accident case is failing to report the incident to the police. You might think that if both parties agree on what happened, there’s no need to involve law enforcement. However, this decision could have serious repercussions down the line.
Not reporting an accident is illegal in California if it results in bodily injury or death. Thus, the attempt to make things simpler will actually lead to legal problems.
Furthermore, not having a proper record could also be construed as attempting to avoid responsibility for any damage caused by either party. This may harm your chances of receiving a fair settlement from insurance companies or winning your lawsuit.
Always ensure that you call the police immediately after an accident occurs – even if it seems minor at first glance! Doing so will provide valuable documentation and protect your rights throughout the legal process.
Failing to Document the Accident Scene
After a car accident, it’s important to document the scene as much as possible. Failing to do so could hurt your San Bernardino accident case in the long run. You may think that taking pictures of the damage is enough, but there are other details that you should also keep in mind.
Make sure you take note of any witnesses who saw what happened. Get their names and contact information if possible. This can be crucial if your case ends up going to court.
Write down everything you remember about the accident while it’s still fresh in your mind. What were you doing right before the crash? What did you see and hear? All of these details can help establish liability later on.
Don’t forget about physical evidence like skid marks or debris from the crash site. Take pictures or video footage of these things too.
Without proper documentation of the accident scene, it may be difficult for your San Bernardino car accident attorney to build a strong case for compensation.
Not Seeking Medical Attention as Soon as Possible After the Crash
One common mistake many accident victims make is not seeking medical attention as soon as possible after the crash. Delaying medical treatment may give insurance companies and opposing parties reasons to question the severity of your injuries.
Immediately following an accident, individuals often experience a rush of adrenaline which may mask pain or other symptoms. Some injuries may also have delayed onset, taking hours or even days to manifest fully in some cases.
It is crucial for you to seek professional medical evaluation promptly after a car accident. Doing so will not only ensure proper diagnosis and treatment but also provide valuable documentation for your claim.
Medical records serve as critical evidence supporting the legitimacy and extent of your injuries sustained in the crash. This documentation can significantly impact the outcome of your San Bernardino accident case by strengthening its foundation on verifiable facts rather than mere speculation.
Talking to an Insurance Adjuster on Your Own
Talking to an insurance adjuster on your own can be a big mistake in a San Bernardino accident case. Insurance companies try to avoid paying out large settlements for accidents, as their main goal is to protect their bottom line.
When you talk to an insurance adjuster without legal representation, they may try to take advantage of your lack of knowledge about the claims process or downplay the seriousness of your injuries. They may also use anything you say against you later on in negotiations or court proceedings.
It’s important to remember that insurance adjusters work for the opposing side and have their best interests at heart, not yours. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, it’s crucial that you seek the help of an experienced San Bernardino car crash lawyer who can handle communication with insurance companies on your behalf and negotiate for a fair settlement that covers all damages incurred.
Waiting too Long to File your Accident Claim
After a car accident, it can be overwhelming to deal with anything but your recovery. You might feel like filing an accident claim and dealing with insurance companies is too much hassle. As you see your medical bills piling up, you change your mind.
However, waiting too long to file your accident claim can hurt your chances of receiving fair compensation for damages and injuries sustained. Insurance companies may view delayed claims as suspect or doubt the severity of your injuries.
Additionally, in California, there’s a statute of limitations of two years – the deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit after an accident. If you wait too long and miss the deadline, you could lose your chance to seek justice through legal means.
It’s important to act promptly after an accident and consult with an experienced San Bernardino car accident attorney. They will help ensure that all necessary documents are filed on time so that your case has the best possible chance of success.
Bring Your Case to an Experienced San Bernardino Car Accident Lawyer!
If you have been involved in a car accident in San Bernardino, it is important to avoid the mistakes that can hurt your case. Each of the errors we discussed here can significantly impact your chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries.
To ensure that you are taking all necessary steps and protecting your legal rights, it’s essential to work with an experienced San Bernardino car crash attorney. A skilled attorney will guide you through every step of the process and fight tirelessly on your behalf.
Don’t let simple mistakes cost you what you deserve. Contact the Crockett Law Group today and get started on the path toward justice. Call [phone] for a free consultation!
