Posted in Car Accident
Being involved in a car accident can change your life in a flash. One moment you are on your commute or heading home, then before you know it a car suddenly strikes. In the chaotic moments afterward, you may be left confused and unsure of how to handle the situation. Everyone needs to be prepared and know how to react in case of a devastating accident that leaves them with serious injuries.
As a car accident lawyer like one from Greenspan & Greenspan P.C. can tell you, in many cases drivers make major errors when they are involved in an accident. Making these mistakes can be detrimental to your claim, and it can affect how well a lawyer will be able to strengthen your argument. You could face fines and steep penalties as well. Learn about some crucial mistakes to avoid after being involved in a car accident.
Flee the accident scene
One of the first mistakes you shouldn’t make is leaving the scene of an accident. In New York, leaving an accident scene can result in severe consequences such as fines and jail time. It doesn’t matter if you caused the accident or not. If you have partial fault, you may fear getting into trouble. However, no matter what the circumstances you should never leave an accident scene, especially if there was significant property damage or one or more people were injured.
Refuse an immediate medical evaluation
After you have been in a car accident, you should not refuse medical attention. You might think you’re physically ok, but having a medical professional examine you and create a report is an important part of backing up your claim. There may be injuries that you may not notice right after the accident. As a lawyer can explain, the doctor’s report is a key piece of evidence for your case.
Accept the first settlement offer
While you may feel relief if you are handed a settlement offer, you should not accept the first one that comes to you. The driver’s insurance company is not incentivized to give you a fair amount, and they often will try to low-ball you. To make sure you are being offered a reasonable settlement and fully covers the cost of your damages, talk to a lawyer and they can review the offer.
Contact a Trusted Lawyer Now
Don’t wait to seek the legal help that could be beneficial for you and your situation. Recovering from an accident may be hard, but having a lawyer with you through your ordeal can make all the difference. Schedule a consultation with a trusted car accident lawyer today.