As the victim of a car accident, you may quickly realize how expensive your injuries can be. When someone else’s reckless or negligent actions are costing you thousands of dollars or more, you want to be sure that you are getting the compensation you deserve from them. Unfortunately, it is possible to miss out on your fair compensation by making some critical mistakes. Here are a few mistakes to avoid during your compensation claim:
Avoiding medical care
Even if you feel okay after your crash, you may be suffering from any number of hidden injuries. A doctor can catch these injuries and provide you with the treatment you need. They can also provide you with a medical report that benchmarks your health following the accident, which can be a major asset in your compensation claim.
Not getting contact information
It can be extremely difficult to file a claim against someone you know nothing about. After an accident, be sure to collect the contact and insurance information of anyone involved with your accident. It can also be a benefit to collect their vehicle information as well.
Not keeping important documents
Doctor’s notes, police reports, statements from work regarding your time off, and witness testimony can all be extremely useful in a personal injury claim, but only if you have them on hand. If you do not collect these documents or lose them entirely, this mistake may cost you the compensation you deserve.
Accepting the first insurance offer
Insurance companies often offer a fast settlement that is far less than you deserve. Although the offer may seem like a blessing, accepting it may cost you dearly. You have the right to negotiate for fair compensation after an accident, but it can be hard if you make the next mistake.
Trying to secure compensation on your own
Personal injury attorneys offer years of thorough experience in compensation claims and can help you secure the settlement you deserve. You can let your attorney negotiate on your behalf while you focus on your health.
In addition to leading you through your compensation claim, a skilled attorney can also help you avoid any of these or other mistakes as well. By taking some extra precautions after your accident, you can successfully avoid critical mistakes that can leave you paying for your accident out of your own pocket.