Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Accident

Car accidents can be traumatic and overwhelming, especially if you’ve suffered injuries. What you do in the aftermath of an accident is crucial and can impact the level of compensation you may be eligible to recover for your injuries. To ensure you get the maximum compensation possible, it’s important to avoid the following mistakes:

1. Not seeking medical attention promptly

Don’t wait to seek medical attention, hoping your symptoms will disappear. Receiving prompt medical attention after a car accident is not only essential for your health, but it also provides documentation of your injuries, which is a critical component of a personal injury claim. Insurance adjusters also tend to make better initial offers if the claimant takes an ambulance from the accident scene to the hospital.

2. Accepting a settlement before consulting a personal injury attorney

Initial settlement offers from an insurance company often fall well below the compensation you deserve for accident injuries. Remember, insurance companies act in their best interests, not yours. Before accepting any settlement offer, consult an experienced personal injury attorney who can review your claim and guide you through the process to ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible.

3. Posting details of your accident on social media

Avoid sharing details of your car accident on social media platforms. While it may be how you usually update your friends and family about your life, a good insurance defense lawyer will use anything you share publicly about the accident against you in a personal injury claim. It’s best to keep conversations about your accident between you and your personal injury attorney, who will advise you on the best course of action.

4. Apologizing

In the aftermath of a car accident, it may be natural to apologize to the other parties involved. However, avoid saying “I’m sorry,” as a jury could consider your apology an admission of responsibility for the accident. Instead, ask if everyone is okay.

5. Missing the deadline for filing a personal injury claim

In Georgia, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is usually two years from the accident date, although it can be longer or shorter. If you miss this deadline, you will lose the opportunity to recover compensation for your injuries. If you’re worried you may not meet this legal deadline, consult an experienced personal injury attorney who can advocate for your rights.