The weeks and months after you experience a serious auto accident injury often become a blur. You are dealing with medical bills, time out of work, and calls from insurance companies, all as you try to recover.
Ease the process of seeking financial compensation after a car accident by avoiding these common mistakes.
Not seeking medical attention right away
Some serious injuries do not immediately arise after an auto accident. In addition to the bumps and bruises that appear in the days following the crash, traumatic brain injuries can take time to show symptoms and may lead to serious disability. Go to the doctor when you experience an auto accident even if you feel OK after the crash.
Talking to the insurance company
While this may seem counterintuitive, you have no obligation to provide information to the insurance company after an auto accident. While you do have to notify your own insurer about the crash, you do not need to speak to an adjuster from the other driver’s insurance company. Doing so can hurt your case if you say anything that hints at fault, even simply apologizing for the accident. Instead, refer these calls to your own insurance company or attorney.
Accepting a low settlement
The job of the insurance adjuster is to reduce costs for the insurance company. Before accepting a settlement for your auto accident injuries, make sure to negotiate. You need to cover lost wages, past and future medical bills, and lost wages as well as non-monetary costs such as pain and suffering.
In California, you have two years from the date of an accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.