Most New Jersey residents know what to do after they’re involved in a car accident. However, there are certain mistakes that many people don’t realize they’re making until it’s too late. Anything can be used against you when you’re involved in a legal dispute, so it’s important to make smart decisions in the heat of the moment.
What are some mistakes that car accident victims should avoid?
If you’re suffering from personal injuries after an accident, your first instinct might be to tell your insurance company everything. However, giving your insurance company too many details can be as risky as giving them too few. If you say anything that suggests that your injuries aren’t serious, your insurance company might take the opportunity to give you a smaller settlement.
It’s also important to call the police, even if you were involved in a minor accident. You might not have serious injuries, but the police can file a police report that might help you build a case later. If the police claim that the other driver was at fault, you might have an easier time getting a settlement.
After an accident, your first thought might be to leave the scene as soon as possible. This is the time to stay calm and gather evidence so your car accident attorney can use it later. You can talk to eyewitnesses, take pictures and videos and make note of the location so you can request surveillance footage later. Once the accident scene has been cleaned up, you won’t be able to go back and collect evidence that proves that you weren’t at fault for the accident.
Why do you need a settlement after a car accident?
Car accidents aren’t just stressful–they’re also expensive. Out of nowhere, you’re expected to come up with the money to pay for medical treatment and vehicle repairs. If your injuries are severe enough, you might even have to take time off work. This can place a huge strain on your finances and make it difficult to pay for rent, utilities and other bills. An attorney might help you collect a settlement from the other driver.
