It is easy to feel confused and overwhelmed after a crash, but the actions you take—and those you do not—can greatly affect whether you recover the damages you deserve. After a car accident, certain mistakes can seriously harm your claim. Being aware of these common missteps is an important first step in protecting your rights.
Five mistakes to avoid after a car accident include not getting medical care right away, talking to the insurance company by yourself, and admitting fault for the crash. You should also take immediate action following the accident and consult with a Long Island car accident lawyer. Staying proactive and seeking professional guidance can help ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
In This Article
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- Mistake #1: Not Getting Medical Care for Injuries
- Mistake #2: Talking to the Insurance Company Alone
- Mistake #3: Admitting Fault for the Crash
- Mistake #4: Not Consulting a Personal Injury Lawyer
- Mistake #5: Not Acting Promptly After the Accident
- Our Lawyers Will Guide You Through the Accident Settlement Process
Mistake #1: Not Getting Medical Care for Injuries
Receiving medical care for injuries is always essential after a crash. Potentially severe injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, do not always present with symptoms immediately. By going to the emergency room, visiting urgent care, or even scheduling a timely appointment with your personal care provider, you could:- Ensure all injuries are diagnosed as quickly as possible
- Start a medical record that makes it easier to prove your injuries were caused by the collision
- Prevent unnecessary pain and suffering by receiving treatment immediately
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Mistake #2: Talking to the Insurance Company Alone
The insurance company will take any excuse to deny your claim. That includes deliberately misinterpreting your words, asking for a recorded statement that they will then pick apart, or pressuring you to accept a lowball settlement. Both your personal injury protection (PIP) insurer and the liable party’s insurer will do everything possible to save themselves money. Protect your rights by allowing our car injury lawyers to communicate with the insurers for you. We know how to present your case and negotiate for damages while remaining alert for signs of common bad-faith tactics.Mistake #3: Admitting Fault for the Crash
Even a seemingly innocent remark could negatively impact your claim. For example, if you approach the other driver immediately after the crash to say “I’m sorry” or “I didn’t see you,” the insurance company could very easily twist those statements into admissions of fault. Under New York State law, the greater your percentage of fault for a crash, the less compensation you could recover. It is always best to say as little as possible after any sort of accident. Try to limit your statements to the following:- Asking all of the other people involved in the crash if they are okay and if they need assistance
- Calling 911 to report the accident
- Asking the other driver for their name, contact information, and insurance information
- Responding to the police’s questions with short but honest answers that get straight to the point
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Mistake #4: Not Consulting a Personal Injury Lawyer
The claims process is often long and complex. If your case goes to trial, it becomes even more stressful. No one wants to have to deal with the legal system while trying to receive treatment and recover from serious injuries. Hiring an attorney from our personal injury law firm allows you to focus on yourself and your future while we perform all necessary legal tasks. We will keep you updated about everything we are doing for you, which could include:- Identifying the liable parties
- Communicating on your behalf with everyone else involved in the case
- Collecting evidence—including photos, medical records, witness testimony, and statements from experts—to prove your case’s validity
- Calculating how much your case is worth, allowing us to fight for what you deserve, and to notice when the insurer tries to undervalue your claim
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Mistake #5: Not Acting Promptly After the Accident
Auto insurance companies typically require you to report an accident within a specific time period. Failure to follow the insurer’s guidelines could jeopardize your ability to file a claim. In addition, you have a limited time to file a car accident lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you will have no leverage over the insurance company: they will know you have lost the right to take the liable party to trial and that you have no other options for recovering damages, so there is no incentive for them to offer an appropriate settlement. It is easy to let time slip away from you after a crash. You might be concerned about:- Your health
- The health of anyone who was in the car with you
- Your ability to earn a living
- Whether your life will ever be the same
Our Lawyers Will Guide You Through the Accident Settlement Process
There are many mistakes to avoid after a car accident, and it is often difficult to keep track of what you should and should not do. Friedman & Simon, L.L.P. has protected the rights of accident victims like you since 1991. Call now to find out how our auto accident lawyers will provide the information you need to make the right legal decisions.Call or text (516) 932-0400 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form