COMMON MISTAKES TO
AVOID AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT
Car accidents are stressful and traumatic events. However, it is imperative to stay calm and take the necessary steps after the accident to make it easier to receive the compensation you deserve.
If you were involved in a motor vehicle collision, you might want to consider speaking with a knowledgeable car accident attorney. Our skilled attorney at The Law Office of Steve Brannan will guide you in the right direction and confirm that you do not make any mistakes that could hurt your legal case. We serve accident victims in Odessa, Andrews, Pecos, Big Spring, and Midland, Texas, including communities in West Texas.
Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Crash
Unfortunately, many accident victims make mistakes following the car crash. These mistakes can negatively impact their ability to recover damages. Ensuring that you do not make mistakes after a car accident is crucial for the successful outcome of your case. Below is a list of some of the most common mistakes to avoid if involved in a car accident.
Waiting Too Long to Seek Medical Attention
Waiting too long to see a doctor – or worse, not receive medical care at all – after a car accident can jeopardize your health and well-being. In addition to the negative impact on your health and recovery potential, not seeking medical attention immediately after the accident can also affect your legal claim.
Not Contacting Law Enforcement After the Accident
One of the most common mistakes people make after a car crash is not calling the police. If the collision involves any deaths, injuries, or one of the drivers is intoxicated, calling law enforcement is not an option – it is a mandatory requirement under Texas law. The police will investigate the scene of the accident and prepare a police report, which can become a critical piece of evidence for your future legal case.
Moving the Vehicles When an
Accident Involves Injuries or Deaths
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, motorists can move their vehicles if no one is hurt and vehicles are in drivable condition. Texas law requires drivers to move vehicles so that they do not obstruct traffic. However, if the accident involves injuries or deaths, parties involved in the crash should not move any vehicles.
Not Gathering Evidence at the Scene
One of the most important things to do after a car accident is gather all available evidence at the scene. Available evidence may include witness statements, photos of injuries, photos of vehicle damage, and many more.
Waiting Too Long to File a Personal Injury Claim
Texas and other states have a “statute of limitations” for personal injury claims. It means that you have limited time to sue the at-fault party for your injury. In Texas, the time limit is two years from the date of the accident. Waiting too long can jeopardize your future legal claim.
Admitting Fault
Understandably, a car accident is a stressful event for everyone. Even if a driver did not cause a car crash, they might say “I’m sorry” when being overwhelmed by emotions. Apologizing at the scene of a car crash could be construed as an admission of fault, which can negatively affect the driver’s ability to seek full and fair compensation.
Accepting the Initial Settlement Offer
Often, car accident victims cannot resist the temptation to accept the insurance company’s settlement offer within days of the accident. However, those initial settlement offers are quite often inadequate and do not represent the full value a victim is owed. If an insurance company offers a settlement, consult with an attorney.
Not Consulting with an Attorney
An experienced attorney can help you avoid the above-mentioned and other mistakes after your car accident. By attempting to handle your personal injury case alone, you are more likely to make mistakes that could cost you money later.
Let The Law Office of Steve Brannan Help
A car crash can be a disorienting and confusing experience. This makes accident victims more likely to make mistakes that negatively affect their claims. Our attorney at The Law Office of Steve Brannan will be by your side every step of the way to protect your legal rights, and he will seek to fight for the compensation to which you are entitled.
We assist accident victims in Odessa, Andrews, Pecos, Midland, and Big Spring, Texas. Discuss the details of your case by scheduling a consultation.