Top 10 Mistakes One Makes After Being In An Accident

It is startling, but true: every 60 seconds, an average of 13 car accidents happen on United States roadways. Unfortunately, many of these incidents can be traced back to careless drivers – individuals who weren’t paying attention to their surroundings or following the posted speed limit.

At Genthe Law Firm, our attorneys understand the distress and hardship that comes from being involved in a crash, especially one caused by someone else’s negligent behavior. We strive to ensure accident victims get the justice they deserve. If you’ve been injured in a car accident and need help understanding your rights and options, don’t hesitate to call us at [phone number], or set up a free consultation online. Our team of experienced attorneys is here to provide the guidance and resources necessary to navigate the legal system.

Do you know what to do after a car accident?  Knowing what to do after a car accident means knowing what not to do. Read on for the top ten mistakes people make.

1. Not Calling the Police

One of the most common mistakes people make after a car accident is failing to call the police.  After making sure everyone is okay and getting out of the way of traffic, the next thing you should do is call the police. Some people think that the police won’t respond if the accident happened on private property or rural roads, but we always recommend making that call.

The police will create an accident report that will serve as critical evidence for your case, including information about careless drivers, reckless drivers, and defective cars. You should always request a copy of this report.  Please remember, it’s especially important to call 911 if someone was injured.

2. Admitting Guilt

Emotions run high after an accident (and understandably so), but it’s important to try to remain calm.  It can be hard to think rationally at the moment, especially after a car accident involving reckless drivers. Some people make the mistake of apologizing for the accident, even if it wasn’t their fault. It’s kind of human nature. While it’s understandable to be sorry an accident occurred, you never want to say anything that could be construed as admitting fault.  This could be used against you later on, even if you did nothing wrong.

Insurance adjusters will also try to get you to admit fault. If they can assign a percentage of the blame to you, they can reduce or flat-out deny your claim altogether. This is why it’s so important to be represented by an attorney.

3. Not Gathering Enough Evidence at the Scene

When you’re overwhelmed after an accident, it can be hard to think logically. But knowing what to do at the scene is critical to making your case.  At Genthe Law Firm, we recommend you take photos of all cars involved in the accident and the scene itself.  Take photos from multiple angles.  You should also get contact information and insurance information from the other drivers.  If there were any witnesses, make sure to get their contact information as well.

4. Not Seeking Medical Treatment

You might not realize immediately that you were injured in a car accident. This is often because of the shock and adrenaline that’s masking your pain. Regardless, it is vital to get checked out by a medical professional who knows what to look for in car accident victims.

If you feel any pain, you should request treatment at the scene. If the pain comes on later, you can go to the emergency room or a walk-in clinic.  Injuries like whiplash and other soft tissue injuries can take time to resolve, and prompt treatment can help you get on the road to recovery.

5. Ignoring Your Mental Health

When most people think of car accident injuries, they think of physical injuries. But mental health is just as important as physical health, and car accidents can devastate your mental health.  If you’re experiencing signs of trauma like anxiety, depression, restlessness, PTSD, fear of driving or riding in cars, trouble sleeping, and more, you have rights. You may be entitled to compensation for damages encompassed in pain and suffering.

6. Not Reporting the Accident

It’s important to report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible.  Insurance companies usually require accidents to be reported in a timely manner. If you fail to report the accident in time, the insurance company may try to deny coverage for the claim.

7.  Skipping Medical Appointments

If you’ve been injured in an accident, you must follow your doctor’s treatment plan.  Skipping medical appointments, and physical therapy, and not taking medications as prescribed can hurt your recovery and your claim.  You need to show that you did everything possible to recover.  Insurance companies will use missed appointments against you and reduce your settlement.   If you’re having trouble making it to your appointments because of transportation or finances, your lawyer may be able to connect you with resources that can help.

8.  Accepting the First Offer

Another common mistake car accident victims make is accepting lowball offers from insurance companies. Insurance adjusters know you’re in a tough spot and use this to their advantage.  They want to close claims as quickly as possible and pay out as little as they can. This is why you should never accept the first settlement offer you’re given.  The attorneys at Genthe Law Firm understand this.  We strongly advocate for our clients and always recommend you talk to an attorney first.

9.  Waiting Too Long to File a Lawsuit

In Texas, individuals injured in car accidents can seek compensation for their pain and suffering, but only within a certain time frame. This time frame is defined by the statute of limitations, which varies from state to state. In Texas, individuals have two years from the date of an accident to file a claim.

This two-year limit applies to both personal injury claims and property damage claims. It is important to note that this clock begins ticking on the exact date of the accident. If you miss the deadline to file your claim, you will no longer be eligible for any compensation.

It is wise to begin preparing your case as soon as possible after an accident occurs. Collecting evidence, gathering witness accounts, and consulting with an attorney are all necessary steps when filing a successful claim. An experienced car accident attorney can help guide you through the process and ensure that all legal paperwork is in order prior to filing a claim.

The statute of limitations in Texas can seem like a hard deadline, but it is intended to ensure fairness among parties involved in car accidents. Knowing your rights under the law can help give you peace of mind should you ever find yourself confronted with a car accident situation.

10.  Not Hiring a Lawyer

The biggest mistake you can make after a car accident is failing to hire a lawyer.  When you’re represented by an attorney, you won’t have to worry about making these and other common mistakes. Your attorney will know what to expect and stay one step ahead of the insurance company.  Proving your case after a car accident can be stressful and complicated, but you don’t have to do it alone.

Experienced car accident attorneys know insurance companies’ tactics and how to build a case. Your attorney will take your case to court if you can’t reach a fair settlement.  At Genthe Law Firm, we have litigated more cases than the majority of other Dallas personal injury firms and we are not afraid to file.  When you hire a lawyer, you don’t have to worry about dealing with insurance companies. You can focus on healing and recovering.

Recoup Financial Damages for Your Pain and Suffering Today with Genthe Law Firm

If you or a loved one were recently injured in an accident, it’s time to reach out to a personal injury lawyer for help. Hospital bills and potentially lost wages can quickly add up and put your family into debt. At Genthe Law Firm, we fight against guilty third parties and insurance companies to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering.

Schedule your free consultation today and learn more about our Genthe Guarantee!