After a car accident, making verbal, emotional, or even legal mistakes isn’t uncommon. Unfortunately, these actions make navigating the personal injury claims process much more challenging.
By being aware of common errors and working with an award-winning Omaha car accident lawyer, the chances of receiving maximum compensation are increased.
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What Happens in a Car Accident?
The police come.
When the police arrive at the scene of an accident, they secure the area, check for injuries, and document everything in a police report.
A common mistake people make during this process is admitting fault or making statements that can be used against them later. Often this happens unknowingly with phrases such as “I’m sorry” or “I didn’t see what I was doing”.
As a result, accident survivors are left with lowball settlements from insurance companies using the statements as an admission of guilt.
To combat this potential mistake, it is vital to:
- Remain calm and collected when speaking with the police.
- Stick to the facts of what happened without placing blame or admitting fault.
- Avoid speculation or guessing about how the accident occurred.
An experienced personal injury lawyer can help navigate these situations and ensure that their client is appropriately compensated for their injuries.
Medical injuries are documented.
Visiting the hospital after a car crash is essential for personal health and a successful insurance claim. Many people make the mistake of refusing medical treatment, thinking that they are not seriously injured.
However, symptoms can develop over time, and without documentation of seeking medical care immediately after the accident, it becomes harder to prove that injuries resulted from the collision.
Therefore, it is essential to seek medical attention after a car crash AND provide all the details to a lawyer to ensure the injuries are included in a claim.
Paperwork is filed.
There are many filing deadlines after a car collision. The mistake often made during this process is not keeping track of deadlines and not understanding how to file paperwork correctly.
For example, Nebraska requires drivers to alert their insurance company as soon as possible AND submit form DR41 to the Nebraska Department of Transportation within 10 days.
A similar policy applies in Iowa. However, drivers in the Hawkeye State have only 72 hours to submit an accident report to the Department of Administrative Services.
After these immediate paperwork deadlines have passed, filing a personal injury claim or lawsuit is usually next on the list.
However, each state has its own statute of limitations for these types of cases, so it is important to know and adhere to these timelines.
Working with a lawyer better ensures all paperwork and deadlines are met, allowing for a smoother claims process.
Negotiations occur.
During this process, many people make the mistake of accepting a low settlement offer not fully understanding what compensation they are entitled to.
Combatting the mistake of accepting a lowball settlement offer is challenging, especially when dealing with the emotional and physical aftermath of a car crash.
However, working with an experienced car accident attorney can help ensure that injured parties receive maximum compensation for damages and losses.
Mistakes To Avoid During The Legal Process
While accident survivors can make many mistakes in the days and weeks following an accident, they can also make many during the legal process.
Unfortunately, these mistakes can greatly impact the outcome of a personal injury claim or lawsuit.
Common mistakes to avoid during this process include:
- Failing to follow through with medical treatment and appointments, which can affect the strength of the case.
- Posting about the accident or injuries on social media, which insurance companies can use to undermine claims.
- Not keeping track of all expenses and damages incurred as a result of the accident.
- Not seeking legal representation and trying to handle negotiations with insurance companies alone.
- Speaking with other parties involved without the presence of legal counsel, which can potentially harm the case.
- Signing any documents without fully understanding their implications.
These mistakes can put injured parties at risk of financial burden, receiving inadequate compensation, and even losing their case altogether.
By avoiding these mistakes and seeking the guidance of an experienced attorney, individuals can better navigate the legal process and increase their chances of receiving maximum compensation.
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What Can I Do If I Made a Mistake After a Car Crash?
Stay calm.
An auto accident can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. In the aftermath, it is natural for individuals to make mistakes.
However, it is important not to panic or become discouraged if a mistake has been made after a collision.
The key is to take immediate action and seek help from professionals who are experienced in handling these types of situations.
Don’t assume help is too expensive.
Don’t assume exceptional legal help or medical treatment is out of reach due to making one of the mistakes to avoid after a car accident.
The best place to start is with a personal injury law firm that can provide legal services on a contingency fee basis and offer a no-obligation consultation to discuss the case.
Berry Law’s Team Provides You With Multiple Attorney Perspectives
How Do I Know If I Need a Lawyer After a Car Accident?
It is always in the best interest of injured parties to at least consult with a car accident lawyer, even if they are unsure about their legal options.
A lawyer can provide valuable insight and guidance on how to proceed with a personal injury claim or lawsuit, including navigating complex legal processes and negotiating with insurance companies.
Not only can a lawyer help individuals seek maximum compensation for their injuries, but they also alleviate much of the stress and burden that comes with handling a legal case alone.
Those who have experienced the following in a car collision should not hesitate to seek legal assistance:
- Physical injuries requiring medical treatment
- Mental and emotional distress
- Loss of income or ability to work
- Long-term consequences such as permanent disabilities or chronic pain.
- Wrongful death
With advice from experienced legal counsel, accident survivors or their families can understand the full extent of their legal rights to maximum compensation.
Berry Law | Award-Winning Legal Support For Car Accident Survivors
At Berry Law, we know how easy it is to make mistakes after a car accident.
However, we also know that these mistakes don’t have to diminish or deny the right to compensation for current and future losses.
Our team of experienced personal injury attorneys has a proven track record of successfully handling personal injury cases and fighting for our clients’ rights.
With compassionate support and exceptional legal representation, we can help turn a difficult situation into a chance to avoid financial ruin.
Schedule a confidential case evaluation online or at (402) 466-8444 to learn how we can help recover maximum compensation after a collision.
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