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The Federal Highway Administration reports that improper vehicle maintenance can lead to denied insurance claims, and a significant percentage of serious crashes occur at intersections. According to Reuters.com, the United States has the highest rate of motor vehicle deaths of any developed country.
Many drivers make mistakes, such as failing to gather evidence, admitting fault too soon, or neglecting vehicle maintenance, which exacerbates the situation.
Auto accident attorney Jody Wooton says proof is crucial because without it, it’s “your word against theirs.” Insurance companies and courts determine liability with evidence. Forgetting to document the accident may allow the at-fault party to twist the facts.
This article discusses the most common auto accident mistakes and how to avoid them.
Failing to Ensure Safety at the Scene
Prioritize your safety after suffering from a car accident.
Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. To avoid accidents behind you, get the car off the road as soon as possible. Flashing your hazard lights may alert other drivers.
Call emergency services immediately after a major accident. Stay calm to avoid injury from sudden movements.
Help accident victims without risking your safety. The sooner the scene is secured, the greater the chances of protecting everyone and preventing additional incidents.
Neglecting to Exchange Information
Failure to communicate with the other driver after an accident can complicate matters. Obtain names, contact numbers, addresses, and insurance information.
Insufficient information can invalidate a claim and make obtaining compensation difficult. You need information to properly defend yourself in case the other party files an injury or property damage claim.
Photos of the scenery and damaged vehicles will help your case. Be calm, patient, and polite to other drivers.
Not Documenting the Accident Properly
Recording every detail of an auto accident is important.
Use a camera or cell phone to capture photos of license plates and injuries. Include the time, date, and weather conditions, as these can have an impact on legal outcomes. Strengthen your case by providing witness statements complete with signatures and contact numbers.
Request police reports and list down officers’ names if given. Completing the steps outlined above may help you file a successful insurance claim and win your court case.
Admitting Fault Too Early
Avoid talking about the accident to anyone without consulting a lawyer. Anything you say could be used against you in court. Do not, under any circumstances, admit fault to the incident since it will hurt your insurance claim and jeopardize your case.
Let the police and insurance companies decide who was at fault based on the available evidence. If you are unsure whether you shared fault in the accident, consult an attorney before making a statement.
Delaying Medical Attention
Another common mistake people make following an auto accident is ignoring the need for medical treatment. Some injuries have symptoms that do not manifest immediately. Seeking medical help lets doctors carefully check your body and assure you that your overall health is not in danger.
Your insurance company may question why there was a long delay between the accident and treatment. The delay can indicate that the injuries were not serious and can result in a lower insurance payout.
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