Don’t Make These Costly Mistakes After an Accident

If someone else has injured you, the ability to maintain your composure and think rationally in the immediate aftermath is essential to maintaining your legal options. The things you say and the actions you take after the accident can impact your life for years to come.

In this article, we’ll share some of the most common mistakes people make after an accident that wasn’t their fault – either at the accident scene or later on – that usually costs them dearly.

  1. Not seeing a doctor as soon as possible. Even if you’re in a minor fender bender, you need to be seen by a licensed medical doctor. If you say to others at the accident scene that you “feel fine” but later experience symptoms of whiplash, concussion or spinal injury, your case will be difficult to prove.
  2. Not following the doctor’s orders. If your doctor tells you to take certain steps after your exam, you need to hold up your end of the bargain. Not doing what the doctor says essentially tells the world that you are not taking your injuries seriously or that they aren’t serious enough in the first place.
  3. Saying too much to the other person’s insurance provider. Among the first people to contact you after your accident will most likely be the insurance provider of the person who caused the accident. Do not mistake their calling as a sign of their care for you. They’re professional negotiators who speak smoothly. The only thing they’re interested in is convincing – or tricking – you to settle for as little money as possible.
  4. Signing documents without the advice of your lawyer. You’d be surprised at how much unnecessary trouble your signature can cause after an accident. We’re all too familiar with tales of insurance companies gaining access to a person’s complete medical history because of what was hidden in the fine print. Do yourself a huge favor by letting your lawyer look over any documents before you sign.
  5. Taking that first settlement offer. We understand the temptation to accept a settlement as soon as possible, and put it towards any medical bills you’ve already incurred. Instead, do your best to let your personal injury attorney handle all settlement negotiations on your behalf.

Don’t Make Costly Mistakes After Your Accident; Get in Touch With the Alaska Personal Injury Lawyers with Barber & Associates.

We hate to see people taken advantage of – especially as they’re trying to recover from an accident that wasn’t their fault to begin with.

If you’ve been in an accident caused by someone else, let us do the talking and negotiating on your behalf so that you’re fully protected legally.

Our office remains open during the coronavirus pandemic, and we’re here to help you.

For a free consultation, call us at 800-478-5858, get in touch via email or complete our online contact form.

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