Car accidents are an unfortunate reality for many drivers, and North Carolina is no exception. If you’ve been involved in a motor vehicle accident, it’s easy to make mistakes that could jeopardize your chances of securing fair compensation.
In the aftermath of a crash, emotions run high, and it can be challenging to think clearly. Knowing what to do and what not to do can make a significant difference in your personal injury case. Keep reading to learn about mistakes to avoid after a car accident.
A skilled North Carolina car accident lawyer can protect your rights and maximize your compensation. After a car wreck, contact our law firm today for a free consultation.
Not Calling the Police After a Car Accident
One of the biggest mistakes drivers can make after an auto accident in North Carolina is failing to call the police. North Carolina law requires drivers to report accidents that cause injury, death, or more than $1,000 in property damage.
The accident report is also a crucial piece of evidence in insurance claims and car accident lawsuits. Without a police report, it may be difficult to establish fault or provide an unbiased account of what happened, which could hurt your ability to collect compensation.
Even if the accident seems minor, it’s always wise to call the local police. Sometimes the full extent of the damage or injuries may not be immediately apparent. Additionally, some insurance companies may require a crash report before processing claims.
Not Seeking Medical Treatment or Delaying Medical Care
One of the worst mistakes after a car accident is not seeking medical treatment right away. Even if you feel fine, some injuries from car accidents, such as concussions or internal injuries, may not be immediately apparent. Delaying medical attention can harm your health and your personal injury case.
Insurance companies look at medical records when determining compensation. If you delay seeing a medical professional, the insurance adjusters may argue that your injuries aren’t as severe as claimed or were caused by something other than the auto accident.
Visit a doctor, an emergency room, or another medical professional as soon as possible. Early treatment will document your car accident injuries.
Not Gathering Enough Evidence at the Accident Scene
Failing to gather enough evidence at the accident scene is another common mistake that can hurt your car accident claim. Gathering evidence is important for proving fault.
To avoid this mistake, collect evidence immediately after calling the police if possible. Here’s a list of what evidence to gather:
- Photos and videos: Take pictures of the accident scene, the vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Capture multiple angles to show the full extent of the damage.
- Police report: Always call the police, no matter how minor the accident seems. The accident report provides an unbiased, official record of what happened, which can be crucial to your case.
- Witness statements: If there are any witnesses to the crash, get their contact information and, if possible, a brief statement about what they saw.
- Other driver’s information: Exchange information with the other driver, including their name, phone number, insurance information, and driver’s license information.
- License plate numbers: Document the license plate numbers of all other drivers involved.
Failing to gather evidence at the scene could result in a weak accident claim. Photos, a police report, and witness statements are key to building a successful insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
Admitting Fault
One of the biggest car accident mistakes is admitting fault. North Carolina follows a contributory negligence rule, meaning that you cannot collect compensation if you’re partially at fault.
If you admit fault to other drivers, the police, or the insurance company, your words can be used against you. Don’t say anything that could be interpreted as admitting liability, such as “I’m sorry,” or “I was distracted.” Even if you believe you may have been partially responsible, let the facts and evidence speak for themselves.
Giving a Recorded Statement
Avoid giving a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company without first speaking to a lawyer. Insurance adjusters are skilled at asking questions to trick you into hurting your case. They may try to use your words against you to lower the settlement.
Always talk with a car accident attorney before providing any recorded statement to protect your rights.
Failing to Notify Your Insurance Company
Even if you believe the other driver is at fault, you should inform your auto insurance company as soon as possible. Your policy likely includes provisions that require you to report any accidents within a specific time frame.
If you fail to notify your insurance company, you risk losing having your claim denied. Contact your insurance company and provide them with all the necessary information, including the police report, accident details, and evidence you collected.
Settling Too Quickly
Another costly and common mistake car accident victims make is accepting the first settlement offer without consulting a lawyer. Insurance companies aim to minimize their payouts, and the initial settlement offer is typically lower than you deserve.
When you settle too quickly, especially without fully understanding the extent of your injuries or long-term medical needs, you risk leaving significant compensation on the table. After settling your claim, you can’t seek additional compensation for your car accident injuries.
Talking to a personal injury lawyer before accepting any settlement is crucial to ensure that your settlement covers future medical bills. An attorney will review the settlement and negotiate on your behalf.
Posting About the Car Crash on Social Media
Posting about your car accident on social media is a major mistake. Insurance companies and defense attorneys often monitor accident victims’ social media profiles. Even seemingly innocent posts, photos, or comments can be taken out of context and used against you.
For instance, if you post a picture of yourself engaging in physical activity, the insurance company may argue that your injuries are not as severe as claimed. Similarly, statements about how the accident happened or your recovery could be twisted to suggest that you were at fault or that you are recovering faster than stated.
It’s best to avoid discussing your car accident or recovery online until the legal process is fully resolved.
Not Consulting a Car Accident Attorney
Perhaps the most significant mistake to avoid after a car accident is not consulting a personal injury attorney. Car accident cases can quickly become complicated. An experienced car accident lawyer understands the legal complexities of auto accident cases and can help guide you through the legal process.
A lawyer will handle all communication with the insurance companies, negotiate for a fair settlement, and represent you in court if necessary. Skilled representation is vital for a successful lawsuit. An attorney will fight to secure the compensation you deserve for your medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Consulting an attorney early in the process can help you avoid common mistakes that could hurt your accident claim and maximize your compensation.
Contact Our North Carolina Car Accident Lawyers Today
Recovering from a car accident involves more than just healing from physical injuries—it requires avoiding common mistakes that can negatively impact your case. Failing to seek medical treatment, gather evidence, notify your insurance company, and consult a lawyer are errors that could cost you the fair settlement you deserve.
Remember, your financial recovery depends on making the right choices after the crash. To protect your rights, reach out to an experienced car accident attorney who can help you navigate the process and secure the best possible outcome.
Our law firm offers a free consultation, so there’s no risk in speaking to a lawyer to evaluate your case. Contact our North Carolina car accident lawyers today.
