10 Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Accident

There are some mistakes that you want to avoid after an accident because they are serious enough to jeopardize your ability to get the compensation you deserve or even risk your health. Avoid these 10 mistakes after a car accident.

10. Failing to Call the Police

After you and the other driver examine your vehicles, you may conclude the accident was so minor it is not worth getting the police involved. However, it is always a good idea to get the details of the accident on record. West Virginia law requires you to notify the police in any accident where total property damage is at least $500.

9. Failing to Exchange Information with the Other Driver

You may think that all the information you need will be on a police report, and that’s generally true. However, it can sometimes take a few days to get a police report and the sooner you have that information for your insurance company, the sooner your claim may be resolved.

8. Neglecting to Seek Medical Attention

You may think your injuries are too minor to require medical attention. However, some injuries aren’t readily apparent for hours to those without medical training. A delay in treatment could result in further injury and damage. Failing to seek medical attention immediately after your accident can jeopardize your ability to receive the compensation you deserve. Your failure to seek immediate medical care may be taken as an indication you were not injured in the accident.

7. Claiming Responsibility for the Accident

It often takes investigators many hours to determine who was at fault in an accident. Even if you believe you were at fault in the accident, reserve your opinion until all the facts are in and keep your conversation with the police officer strictly about the facts.

6. Failing to Preserve Evidence

There will never be a better opportunity to preserve the evidence of the accident scene than immediately following the accident. If possible, get the contact information of any witnesses to the accident. Additionally, photos of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, and any apparent injuries can help make your case later.

5. Failing to Contact the Insurance Company

Soon after the accident, you should inform your insurance company of the wreck and provide the facts of the situation. Failure to notify them in a timely fashion could result in the insurance company denying your claim.

4. Trusting the Insurance Company Too Much

While you are required to notify the insurance company about your accident, keep all communication with them limited to the facts of the situation and do not volunteer any information you are not required to. Remember, they are looking out for their interests, not yours.

3. Broadcasting Details on Social Media

Remember, while the accident is under investigation, everything you say about the situation can be used against you to reduce the compensation you deserve. It is usually best to say nothing on social media.

2. Waiting Too Long to Take Action

In any car accident case, you have a limited period of time in which to pursue compensation under personal injury law. State law mandates a strict statute of limitations beyond which your claim will be denied.

1. Failing to Contact an Attorney

The number one mistake people make after an accident is failing to call a qualified car accident attorney. You will almost always receive less compensation if you act alone rather than seeking out an attorney. Calling the West Virginia personal injury lawyers at Manchin Injury Law Group to schedule a free consultation is a no-risk way of ensuring that your rights are protected, and you are on the right path to getting the compensation you to which you are entitled.