A car accident can have severe effects on your life. The steps you take after a car accident plays a vital role when you file for compensation. While you may be aware of what you should do after a car accident, there are various things you should not do after getting into an accident. One of the common mistakes that people make is not hiring a Wytheville Auto Accident Lawyer.
However, here are a few mistakes you should avoid committing after getting into an auto accident.
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Not reporting the accident.
According to the law, you are obligated to report any accident that involves injuries or even death. Failure to do so can also put you in problems for violating the law. Additionally, if you report the accident, the police will file an official report which will serve as evidence when filing for a claim and determine liability. Younger drivers are often seen as a risk to insurance companies. They are more likely to be involved in accidents and have higher rates of claims. Thus, be careful while taking car insurance for younger drivers.
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Fleeing from the accident scene.
As per the law, you must stop at the accident scene when you are a part of a car accident. If you run away from the accident scene, you will be charged with penalties, fines, and even jail for hit-and-run charges. Even if there is no injury, you are still requested to wait and exchange all the crucial information.
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Not seeking medical help.
Not seeking medical assistance can welcome various consequences. If you fail to seek medical help, your insurance company will claim that you are faking your injuries or not severely injured because you delayed your medical treatments or failed to see a doctor on time.
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Apologizing to the opposite party.
Often many people apologize after a car accident to say they are sorry for the accident. However, even if you are showing sympathy, the insurance company will use it against you that you were at fault, and that is why you apologized. Therefore, you may not be entitled to get complete compensation.
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Not documenting the accident.
The evidence you collect after a car accident is vital. Failing not to document the accident can result in a denied claim or low compensation. After getting into a car accident, you must take pictures of the accident scene, injuries, any damages visible, and more. Moreover, it would help if you also took pictures of anything that could possibly be evidence of your injuries or accident.
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Not hiring a lawyer.
As mentioned above, not hiring a lawyer is one of the common mistakes. Insurance companies will use multiple tricks to reduce your claim or make you settle for less. A lawyer will ensure you do not settle for less and get your deserved compensation.
