Vehicle accidents bring painful injuries, hefty fines, and a multitude of legal nuances that must be navigated correctly in order to receive proper compensation. With all of the obstacles following an auto crash, it is unsurprising that there are some mistakes that could ruin your chances of receiving compensation.
To learn more about the mistakes to avoid after a Washington DC car accident, call a Gelb & Gelb, P.C. automobile collision attorney. Roger Gelb could make sure that you are reimbursed for your losses due to a car wreck.
There are several mistakes that someone could make after an automobile collision. These could include apologizing for the wreck, having a car towed, accepting an insurance company’s lowball offer, et cetera.
The biggest mistake comes if the plaintiff’s vehicle was so badly damaged that it is towed to a lot. That may be an incurred expense, and the at fault party is not liable for it. If a plaintiff has their vehicle towed and stored after a wreck, it is their own duty to mitigate those costs.
If someone moved their vehicle to a lot, that vehicle must be removed from storage right away, as a skilled legal team could further explain. This is a prime example of an unrepresented claimant not knowing what is in their best interest.
Something that might seem natural after an accident is to apologize to the other person involved. A plaintiff might become overwhelmed by the crash and apologize out of habit to the defendant, even if they are not at fault. This is a serious mistake, as the defendant may use that apology as an admission of guilt against the plaintiff in court.
Talking to an insurance company is a good option to settle a case before a trial. However, insurers tend to offer exceptionally low amounts of money that will not cover a plaintiff’s total losses. Enlisting a Washington DC car crash attorney to ensure that the claimant does not make the mistake of accepting an initial offer could save that plaintiff years of regret.
Not getting medical attention immediately after a collision could influence the outcome of a motor vehicle accident claim. The defense could claim that the plaintiff’s injuries were worse because they did not get professional medical help right away. This could lower, or even eliminate, an injured party’s chances of receiving compensation.
Because many claimants work in order to feed their families and pay for housing, they may think that skipping going to the hospital will save them money and time. This is a wrong assumption. Going to the hospital after an accident could prevent serious injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, from worsening over time. These and other types of injuries may not be prevalent at first, but could cause irrevocable damage if left untreated. If these injuries are left untreated initially, a claimant might need expensive ongoing care for the rest of their lives.
Anyone hurt in a car collision should prioritize going to the hospital above anything else. Someone not going to a hospital after a vehicle wreck is making a mistake that affects their eligibility for damages in a claim, even with the help of an accomplished Washington DC attorney.
Ensuring you are able to file for compensation after a car crash could seem daunting at first. However, a diligent attorney at Gelb & Gelb, P.C. could ensure you know the mistakes to avoid after a Washington DC car accident. Call our office today to learn more about your options.