Georgia Injury Lawyers Blog
No one plans to be in a car accident. The experience can be overwhelming even if you’re not injured. In many cases, people think everything will work out ok, only to discover months later that the consequences were much more serious than they initially thought. Unfortunately, there are mistakes that you can make early on that can make your case much more difficult to prove.
The car accident attorneys at Slappey & Sadd help people in the Atlanta area and across the Georgia area navigate the claim process to get the compensation they deserve. If you’ve been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, we can help. Call us at 404-255-6677 or visit us online to schedule a free consultation today.
Admitting Fault
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is admitting fault when you don’t mean to. For example, when speaking with the police officer at the scene you might say something like “I didn’t see him coming” or something that makes it sound like the accident was your fault. You may not have seen the other driver because he was speeding, but if that statement makes its way into the officer’s accident, it will most certainly be used against you.
In short, be very careful about what you say. Anything you say can be used against you. This applies to conversations that you have with the police, the other driver, witnesses, and especially the insurance companies.
Not Seeking Medical Attention
Although aches and pains are common after an accident, don’t assume that they will go away on their own or that they are not symptomatic of a serious injury. Listen to your body and go get a thorough medical examination even if don’t think your injuries are serious. Otherwise, it will be much harder to prove your injury if you need to make a claim later. A doctor can document your symptoms and injuries to connect the accident with the injuries you are suffering from. Insurance companies are almost certain to deny your claim if you don’t have medical records demonstrating that you were injured in the accident.
Assuming That Your Insurance Company Is on Your Side
Insurance companies are for-profit corporations. Paying out on claims eats into their profit margins, which brings pressure to reduce the number of claims that they pay. As a result, you may find your insurance company trying to pay as little as possible on your claim, or perhaps avoid paying it altogether.
Settling Too Soon
Many people are surprised at how quickly the insurance company wants to settle their case. However, it’s important to understand the motivations behind the offer:
- The insurance company recognizes that they will likely have to pay something on your claim. It may be because the other driver was clearly at fault for causing the accident, or they are afraid of a sympathetic jury.
- In making the settlement offer, they are trying to pay out far less on your claim than you may be entitled to. When you accept the insurance company’s offer, they will require that you sign legally binding documents releasing them from any further claims.
If you’ve been injured and you’re offered a settlement within a few days of the accident, don’t let them pressure you into accepting it. The best thing you can do is to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney.
Contact the Atlanta Car Accident Attorneys at Slappey & Sadd
If you need help with your case, the car accident lawyers at Slappey & Sadd can help. We work with our clients to make sure they get the compensation they truly deserve so that they can move on with their lives. If you’ve been injured and need help, call us at 404-255-6677 or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation and case evaluation.