Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Not-At-Fault Collision Claim
Experiencing perplexity, despair, and shock is persuasive in car accidents! Getting involved in a car collision, which isn’t your fault, may leave the driver questioning what steps to take following an accident. Although it might be hard to think straight, remember that your remarks and actions may significantly influence the likelihood of submitting a personal injury claim.
Moreover, since the legal procedure is convoluted, making mistakes while filing a not-at-fault collision claim can jeopardize your odds of winning a reasonable settlement. Thus, it will be in your best interest to employ a skilled auto accident lawyer in Sacramento to assist you in navigating the process! Let’s commence to explore the dos and don’ts.
Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Not-At-Fault Collision Claim
● Not Contacting the Authorities
Call the police first before beginning with other steps! Although most people avoid engaging the police in car accident cases to prevent further complications, failing to do so may result in the hassle of proving the at-fault party’s liability. A police report is an accident’s official account, describing the events and establishing who was to blame! Thus, it’s a must to inform the authorities as it can be beneficial in proving your not-at-fault collision claim.
● Admitting Fault or Blaming Yourself
In such instances, it’s innate to apologize or accept responsibility for an accident, even though you aren’t at fault. However, this instinct may put your claim at stake, as admitting blame or making any remarks might be interpreted and can be used against you later. Therefore, it’s prudent to discuss with your attorney and avoid making any statement that may compromise your claim.
● Not Gathering Sufficient Evidence
Try to collect as much information as possible from the accident site. It encompasses pictures of the accident scene, contact information of witnesses, and detailed information on what transpired. The more proof you have, the better your case. All this data will help your reliable personal injury attorney in Sacramento to bolster your not-at-fault collision claim.
●Neglecting Medical Attention
Seeking medical attention is imperative following a car accident, whether a minor fender bender or significant. You might not know, but putting off medical care may impinge your claim since the opposing party may contend that the collision didn’t result in injuries. Thus, it’s vital to have medical documents, as they are critical proof of your damages and their link to the incident.
● Not Informing Your Insurance Company
Even though you aren’t at fault, you must notify your insurers promptly about your accident. Neglecting to do so may endanger your ability to submit a claim later. Your insurance company may also assist you in negotiating indemnification with the at-fault party’s insurers.
Related Article – What Happens if the Person Not at Fault in an Accident Has No Insurance?
● Settling Too Quickly
Insurance companies usually aim to make a swift settlement to offset their expenditures. However, instantly accepting the first offer they send without consulting with your attorney could result in an inadequate compensation that doesn’t entirely recover your damages. So, it’s best to let your attorney reckon the damages by understanding the severity and anticipating future costs before settling.
● Failing to Document Expenses
Take note of all expenses associated with the accident, such as hospital bills, vehicle repair costs, and missed income. Doing so helps you in precisely calculating the total damages and providing evidence when submitting a claim.
● Overlooking the Statute of Limitations
A statute of limitations is a law that stipulates the duration of time that parties have from the date of an alleged offense to commence legal actions. While it varies from state to state, it’s best to bring your lawsuit immediately after the accident to secure legal rights. Consult a competent personal injury lawyer to guide you throughout the procedure and ensure you comply with all legal deadlines.
Final Thoughts
If you get injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, you can pursue a not-at-fault collision claim to receive reasonable compensation for your losses. However, making mistakes is evident while following a lawsuit, as it’s a complex and tedious procedure. Therefore, it’s advantageous to confer with a qualified auto accident lawyer to protect your legal rights and guide you in avoiding blunders that might compromise your case. Consider the preceding measures if you plan to pursue a lawsuit alone.