A car accident can leave you traumatized, confused and severely hurt. When you are hurt in a car accident due to someone else’s unlawful or negligent actions, you may pursue them for compensation for your injury and property damage. However, how you respond to the accident can have an effect on whether you are going to get the compensation you deserve for your damages or not.
While you probably already know the steps you should take after a car accident, it is equally important that you know the mistakes to avoid. By avoiding these mistakes, you will ensure that both you and your legal representative come up with a watertight case against the at-fault party.
Here are two mistakes you do not want to make if you are a victim of a car accident.
Assuming you do not need treatment
Depending on the severity of the impact, a car accident can leave you with a range of physical injuries. Some of these injuries (like broken bones and cuts) can be immediately apparent while others (like soft tissue injuries and whiplash) can take a bit longer to manifest. It is important that you seek medical examination and treatment as soon as you can following the accident. Besides diagnosing and treating those “hidden” injuries in time, this will also be crucial when proving your case in court. Remember, you will need a doctor’s report to prove your injury and justify your claim.
Failing to call 911
Sometimes, the at-fault party may propose to settle the matter without involving the police. This can be a costly mistake down the road, especially if they walk back on their word. Besides, New Jersey statute requires that you report any accident that results in personal injury, death or property damage amounting to $500 or more.
Avoiding these mistakes can ensure that you and your legal team get the desired outcome from your car accident claim.