4 Costly Mistakes To Avoid After a Car Accident

When a car accident occurs, the victim sometimes cannot resist the urge to swing into action however some of their decisions may unwittingly adversely affect their case. Here are our 4 top mistakes to avoid:

Never admit that you were at fault

Due to uncontrollable varying emotions following a car accident, your initial response may not be in your best interest. Therefore, refrain from admitting fault regarding any of the facts of the accident when discussing with the other party(s) involved, witnesses, medical providers, police and/ or any insurance adjuster whether the adjuster is from your insurance company or the other driver's insurance. Depending on who you speak to, for instance the police, insurance, and even your doctor, your words could be recorded and/ or transcribed into written form and this may adversely affect your car accident case.

Never Not Provide a Recorded Statement to Any Insurance Company

Sometimes, the insurance adjuster - the other party's and/ or your own insurance company's adjuster may request you to provide a recorded statement. Make sure you consult with an attorney before you further discuss anything with any insurance adjuster. In a hit and run or uninsured motorist coverage claim, the adjuster from your insurance company is actually your adversary and will ask questions to fish out facts that will free them from being liable for any uninsured motorist claim. Also, the other drivers’ insurers may reach out to you right after your car accident and try to convince you to accept a lightening fast settlement which they will directly debit into your account in 24 hours. Do not jump on that offer without first running it by an experienced car accident attorney.

Never Post About Your Crash on Social Media

In this day an age of social media through FaceBook, Instagram, TikTok, etc, people are encouraged to share aspects of their life with the public. However, with regards to a car accident, what you post could directly conflict your assertions of injuries caused by a car accident. For instance, posting a video of yourself break dancing and doing back flips at a party conflicts your claims of serious back pain and possibly other related soft tissue injuries. Adjusters could look up your profile in search of any evidence that could reduce or erase the value of your case therefore be careful of what you post online while your car accident case is still pending.

Never Allow Other Parties to Access Your Medical Records

Lastly, sometimes the adjuster will send you a HIPAA medical information release form for you to sign. Do not sign this form without consulting with an attorney. If you sign their HIPAA form, you may give the insurance company access to more medical information that is necessary or relevant for your car accident and they could use the information obtained to argue a reduction of the value of or deny your personal injury claim.

Do not hesitate to contact our Law Office for a free phone or in persona consultation regarding additional assistance for your car accident case.