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After a car accident in North Carolina, what you do next can have a major impact on your recovery and your ability to get fair compensation. Many accident victims unknowingly make costly mistakes that hurt their claims. Working with a trusted North Carolina car accident lawyer can help you avoid these common errors and protect your rights.
You should know the five most important mistakes to avoid after a car accident, so you know what to watch out for. Understanding these pitfalls early can save you time, stress, and money down the road. Learn how to handle the aftermath of a crash the right way.
Mistake #1: Not Seeing a Doctor for Your Accident Injuries
The first thing you should do after a motor vehicle accident is to get medical attention. This is true in every situation, whether you suffered catastrophic injuries that require emergency care or feel only mild discomfort.
Why is medical care so important? There are several reasons:
- Your injury symptoms might be delayed. Even if you do not think you need to go to a hospital, you could still be injured and require treatment.
- Your medical records will show whether or not you got treatment right away. The closer to the time of the accident you see a doctor, the easier it can be to prove that your injuries were a result of the crash.
- Our personal injury attorneys can use your medical records as evidence to prove you are eligible for damages. The more complete your records are, the more valuable they may be.
Whether you decide to go to the emergency room or schedule an appointment with your regular doctor, always get medical care promptly, and always follow through on your doctor’s advice and instructions.
Mistake #2: Speaking to Others About the Car Accident
There are very few people you should talk to about the accident, especially without your lawyer present:
- Tell your doctor how your injuries happened.
- If a police officer responded to the crash, provide short, factual answers. Do not exaggerate or conceal anything, but do not volunteer more information than they ask for.
- Be completely open and honest with your car accident lawyer. We can best help you when we know absolutely everything about the crash.
Aside from these three parties, be cautious about how much you share. Do not talk to reporters, and do not discuss the accident on social media. The insurance company will be monitoring all of your public comments, looking for anything they can use to justify paying you less.
You should also avoid talking to anyone’s insurance company, even your own, without first seeking legal advice. The insurer may make seemingly innocent requests, like asking for a recorded statement, that are designed to give them more material to use against you.
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Mistake #3: Not Reporting the Car Accident
Most, if not all, states have laws that require you to report serious car accidents. The definition of “serious” may vary from state to state: in North Carolina, for example, drivers must report accidents when the crash has severely injured or killed someone. In South Carolina, S.C. Ann. § 56-5-1270 requires you to report accidents resulting in injury, death, or at least $1,000 worth of property damage
The appropriate authority in your case might be local law enforcement, a sheriff’s office, or the State Highway Patrol. If you do not know who to call, dial 911, and the operator will dispatch the right authority to your location to render assistance and take your statement. Again, do not provide more information than the officer asks for.
If you were seriously injured and unable to report the crash immediately, that is okay: you can file your report later, after receiving emergency care. Our attorneys can even help you do so if you have not filed your report by the time you contact us.
Reporting the Accident to Your Insurance Company
You should also inform your insurer about what happened. It is important to file your report without delay, both to ensure you follow any filing deadlines they have and to create another piece of evidence showing that your accident happened when and where you say it did.
Again, our car injury attorneys can assist you with this process. In fact, it is better if you allow a lawyer to handle all communications with all insurance companies on your behalf. This way, they do not get a chance to trick you into giving up your right to fair compensation.
Mistake #4: Settling Your Car Accident Case Too Quickly
The insurer may offer you a fast and tempting settlement, but be aware that this amount is likely not enough to cover all of your past, present, and future losses. If you settle too quickly without negotiating, you could run out of money while you are still recovering.
Our legal team can take the time to investigate your case and evaluate every settlement offer you receive. This way, you can be confident that your final payout is fair.
Mistake #5: Not Speaking to an Auto Accident Attorney
Your right to recover financial compensation depends on your ability to act within legal deadlines and to convince the liable party’s insurance company to pay what you deserve. Unfortunately, these tasks are not always as easy as they should be:
- Trying to handle a legal case when you are injured can be very difficult and stressful.
- The insurer may try various tactics to underpay you.
- Collecting enough evidence to prove your case is time-consuming.
Do not wait too long to talk to a lawyer. If you do not consult with a law firm, the insurer may try to take advantage of your lack of legal experience. The earlier you learn about your rights, the more your legal representative may be able to do to protect them.
Learn More About What to Do After a Car Accident
Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, has a 24/7 helpline that our clients can call to get their questions answered at any time. To gain access to this service and to learn about other mistakes to avoid after a car accident, start by contacting our firm today. We can provide a free consultation about your rights.
