Thousands of fatal car crashes are reported in Orange County every year. Sadly, some victims in these accidents make mistakes that hurt their chances of receiving compensation. They are often forced to pay for their medical treatment out of pocket. So, if you were injured in an auto accident, you’ll need to learn how to mitigate this risk. Keep reading to discover common mistakes to avoid when dealing with car accident claims.
Not Seeking Immediate Medical Attention
After a car accident, some people assume they’re fine and don’t seek medical attention. Unfortunately, some injuries might not be apparent for a couple of days. They might manifest weeks later, leading to serious health complications.
The liable party or insurance companies might shift the blame on you if you delayed medical treatment. They can argue your negligence exacerbated the injuries, and they’re not liable. Avoid this mistake by seeing a doctor immediately after a car accident. The plan is to undergo a medical checkup to uncover injuries early. You’ll also get a medical report, which you’ll need when filing the claim.
Providing a Recorded Statement Without Legal Advice
Insurance companies might contact you and request that you make a statement after an accident. You might provide the statement thinking it’s harmless, yet this can lead to problems. You might say things that can be construed as an admission of guilt.
You can avoid this mistake by involving a reputable Orange County car accident lawyer when making the statement. The attorney can assist you in preparing a statement, ensuring you don’t say things that might hurt your claim.
Settling Too Quickly with Insurance Companies
After car accidents, most people are often too eager to settle their claims as soon as possible. So, when the insurance companies contact them with a settlement offer, they accept. Sadly, most of them receive low compensation, which they regret later.
They discover the money they have is not sufficient to cover medical costs, property damage, and lost income. Besides, they realize they were not compensated for non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
Avoid this mistake by requesting the best Orange County car accident lawyer to review your settlement offer. The attorney has overseen the victims’ settlements and can help you estimate the value of your claim. They can guide you on metrics to use to calculate non-economic damages. With their help, you can fight for fair compensation. If settlement negotiations fail, the attorney will guide you on how to take your case to trial.
Conclusion
Despite your best efforts to avoid different mistakes when handling a car accident claim, you might still make some. That’s why it is necessary to involve the best Orange County car accident lawyer as soon as possible. The attorney can assist with the claim paperwork and gathering evidence to support your claim. They can negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf, helping you secure fair compensation. You can rely on them to expedite the claim process, which will help you receive money soon to cover your medical costs.
