If you were involved in a car accident that was caused by another driver, you might be able to pursue a claim to collect compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain/suffering. When taking such action, you are requesting the at-fault party's insurance company to pay out a settlement. Generally, these companies are in the business of protecting their financial interests, and they might take measures to give you as little as possible.

The insurance company will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident to find reasons to weaken your claim. To prevent this from happening, there are a few common errors to avoid making after a crash.

Failing to Get a Police Report

After an accident, some individuals may not call the police to the scene to take a report. Failing to do so could be costly when making an insurance claim. When the police arrive, they will take a report of their observations. Insurance companies, and your lawyer, will review the information during their investigations as it contains an unbiased account of what happened.

Failing to Take Pictures After the Accident

Pictures could serve as evidence in an accident case. After vehicles have been moved, without photos, there may not be a way to show how the cars collided with one another or what the road conditions were like around the time of the accident. It is recommended to take pictures of the accident and your injuries to provide the insurance company during its investigation.

Failing to Get Medical Attention

When you file a claim to recover compensation, the at-fault driver's insurance company will base their settlement offer on the amount you paid or will need to pay in the future for medical expenses. Often, injuries aren't immediately apparent after an accident. Therefore, even if you don't feel that you were harmed, it is a good idea to undergo a thorough medical examination. If you fail to see a doctor about your injuries, you might not be compensated for costs you may have to pay to treat accident-related health conditions that may arise later.

Accepting the First-Offer Settlement

Although you might have high medical expenses following your accident, and you might be anxious to receive compensation, accepting the insurance company's initial offer could make it challenging to get the payout you deserve. You might have suffered an injury that requires rehabilitation treatment; however, the settlement you accept may not include future expenses, and once you agree, you cannot initiate another claim for additional damages. It is best to consult with an experienced attorney who can assess your situation and negotiate a favorable settlement on your behalf.

Schedule Your Free Consultation with Wierenga | Chiapelli

Backed by extensive experience handling various personal injury matters, our attorney knows how to build an effective legal strategy to improve the chances of obtaining a favorable settlement. We will look through every detail of your accident to advise you of your legal options and help you understand whether the insurance company's offer is fair.

We focus on delivering solutions to meet your best interests. For knowledgeable legal counsel, call us at (847) 749-1131 or contact us online.