If you were hurt in a car accident caused by someone else, you have the right to ask for money to cover the costs of your injuries. Whether or not you get paid depends on how you choose to fight. How much you might get depends on several factors, some of which are out of your hands. But accident victims can do several things to strengthen their damage claims and increase the chances that they will get the most money possible for their injuries.
Some things you do could hurt your claim and make it harder for you to get damages or the full amount you deserve. Here are five mistakes that people often make after a car accident:
1. Not going to see a doctor
Even in the worst car accidents, some people are lucky enough to stay awake and walk away. They might feel pain or not feel any pain at all. Even if there is no pain, that does not always mean no damage. Accidental injuries often cause the body to release adrenaline, which makes some people not feel pain. Also, some injuries may not show signs right away. It could take hours or days for symptoms to show.
2. Making a statement for the insurance company
If another driver caused a car accident that hurt you, you should probably file a claim against that driver’s bodily injury liability (BIL) insurance. A claim made against one of its policyholders does not mean that the insurance company has to pay out. Adjusters and other people who work for insurance companies will do everything they can to find a reason to deny or reduce your claim. They spend much time looking into what happened and who was hurt. As part of their investigation, insurance adjusters talk to the claimant to learn about the accident, how they were injured, and other essential details. Most adjusters ask that their statements be written down.
3. Agreeing to the first settlement offer
An early settlement offer is another way insurance companies avoid paying out a big claim to a person who was hurt in a car accident. After an investigation, insurers have a good idea of whether or not an accident was caused by their insured. They know that if they drag out the lawsuit or take it to court, they will likely have to pay the claimant a lot of damages. When this happens, the insurance company will probably offer to settle the claim early.
The first settlement offers, especially those made soon after an accident, are meant to get accident victims to agree to the settlement. Still, they do not give accident victims enough money to cover their injuries. Victims can also take the help of Car Accident Lawyers to get claimed amounts from the insurance company.
4. Making posts on social media
Another common mistake is posting on social media after a car accident. Insurance companies look into every part of a person’s life when they examine a claim. Trying to get into social media accounts is part of this. The insurance company will use posts and pictures to downplay a claimant’s injuries or change the facts to justify denying or putting a lower value on a claim.
5. Only hire a car accident lawyer with experience
Some people hurt in car accidents deal with their insurance companies on their own because they think they can not afford a solicitor or do not know how a personal injury lawyer can help them. Solicitors are skilled negotiators who know how to deal with insurance companies’ sometimes questionable tactics. Most of the time, hiring a lawyer ensures that the insurance company will treat you fairly. Several lawyers are good in Car Accident Compensation in Canberra.
Conclusion
Instead of handling your claim alone, call a car accident lawyer who can help you. A car accident lawyer can tell you more about how much money you deserve, help you deal with the insurance company, and keep you from making mistakes that limit how much money you can get. Car Accident Lawyers in Canberra are well known for their excellent work at a very affordable price.
