What Are the Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Accident?

After a car accident, emotions are running high, and it's easy to make a mistake that can compromise your ability to get the compensation you are owed for your damages and losses. The best way to avoid making mistakes is to think through how you'll react ahead of time. Read on as a car accident injury lawyer in San Antonio offers some advice on mistakes to avoid after a car accident.

From a Car Accident Injury Lawyer in San Antonio: Mistakes to Avoid

Not Getting Medical Attention

Some types of injuries, such as whiplash or internal bleeding, may not have symptoms for hours. Even a fracture or broken bone could be hidden by the adrenaline coursing through your system. If you head to the doctor only hours or even days after the accident, you make it easier for an insurance company to argue that your injuries had nothing to do with the accident.

Not Calling the Police

In Texas, you are required to call the police to the scene of an accident if there is an injury or death, if one of the drivers is intoxicated or doesn't have insurance, if it's a hit-and-run, if one of the cars can't be moved, or if you estimate there's been more than $1000 in damage.

Failing to report the accident to the police is a common mistake. A police report is essential for documenting the details of the accident and can serve as crucial evidence when filing an insurance claim or pursuing legal action.

Even if it seems like no one has been injured or if you don't think the damage is all that extensive, call the police anyway. For one thing, you may be shocked to take in a car that looks basically fine only to find out it requires $5000 worth of repairs. For another, your police report may be very important as evidence in a claim against the other driver or their insurance company.

Not Getting a Lawyer

The other driver is cooperative, immediately gives all their details, maybe even takes responsibility at the scene of the accident: why bother with the lawyer? This is a huge mistake that you don't want to make. You never know when a driver is simply saying what you want to hear to get out of the situation as quickly as possible, and there's nothing to stop them from later claiming that they never accepted responsibility or trying to put all the blame on you.

Even if they don't do that, their insurance company may start throwing up tactics designed to delay and demoralize you so you will accept a smaller settlement. A lawyer can protect you from all of these things and more, and most people get larger settlements when they work with a lawyer than they're able to get on their own. Visit this page to learn more.

Admitting Fault

Even if you think you were at fault for the accident, never say so at the scene or to an insurance adjuster. Allow the process to run its course. You never know what may have been going on that you were aware of, and your lawyer will do a full investigation of the accident to make sure that all factors related to your liability and the liability of everyone else involved are uncovered.

Admitting fault at the accident scene, even if you believe you're responsible, can severely impact your claim. Liability should be determined by the insurance companies or legal authorities based on evidence, so it's best to stick to the facts and avoid making any statements that could be used against you.

After a car accident, don't make any of these three mistakes. Be sure to contact the lawyers quickly as possible so they can protect you right from the start.