After an automobile accident, which can be a difficult experience, it is imperative to avoid common mistakes that might compromise your legal rights or the possibility of compensation. Although it’s wise to decide to sue the person liable for the accident, you should do so carefully. Here are some common mistakes people make following a car accident. Avoiding them will help you to safeguard your interests.
Alt: Car Accident
Admitting Fault
After an accident, people typically feel regretful or apologize. This is often expressed by saying, “I’m sorry.” It’s crucial to realize, though, that in a court environment, any admission of guilt could be used against you. These kinds of statements could be interpreted as accepting accountability for the situation, thereby devaluing your claim or maybe barring you from getting any pay. Therefore, you should be careful when discussing with someone right after an accident. While avoiding any language that would be interpreted as assigning responsibility for the situation, it is equally important to contact a car accident lawyer in Fort Wayne who can help you protect your legal rights.
Fleeing the Crash Scene
Shock and worry sometimes cause people to sadly make the crucial mistake of leaving the scene following a car accident. You have to stay at the accident scene, evaluate the circumstances, and make sure everyone engaged is safe. Depending on the degree of the impact, leaving the site of an accident in Fort Wayne, Indiana could result in several issues. While leaving the site of a less serious accident can result in a Class B misdemeanor, including penalties and a possible jail sentence, leaving the site of a fatal accident can lead to a Level 5 felony prosecution. You should wait, evaluate the circumstances, and follow the rules.
Not Seeking Immediate Medical Attention
You should give getting medical assistance top priority, even if you don’t feel injured after an accident. Because of the adrenaline and shock involved, some injuries—including whiplash, back pain, or internal injuries—may not show symptoms right away. Whether you were seen by an EMT at the scene, brought to an emergency facility, or visited your doctor soon after, it is imperative to ask a healthcare provider for a medical test right after the accident. Your health is quite important, hence you should seek quick medical assistance. It not only looks after your health but also creates a necessary medical record of your injuries. Any future possible legal or insurance claim could depend on this record.
Failure to File a Police Report
Your priorities in the turmoil following an automobile accident could be calling your family, getting medical attention, and determining the degree of any injuries. However, one of the most important obligations is turning in a police report; never should you ignore this. Regardless of the degree of your injuries or any other pressing concerns, you may be handling, it is crucial to report the accident by calling 9-1-1 and submitting a police report. Since this report is official documentation of the incident, it is vital for insurance claims and legal procedures.
