What Are the Most Common Mistakes People Make After a Car Accident?

 Posted on July 04,2024 in Car Accidents

Car accidents are traumatic. Even if you are lucky enough to walk away from a car wreck with minimal physical injuries, you may still suffer psychological shock. That is why some car crash victims experience confusion after the accident and are unsure of which actions to take. Making mistakes in the crucial moments immediately following a car accident, however, can affect the strength of your claim for damages.

This article will discuss some of the most common mistakes people make after a car accident. Keep in mind that the best way to avoid mistakes after a car collision is to seek the guidance of an Illinois car accident attorney.

Failing to Call the Police

In Illinois, you are required to call the police after a car accident if:

• The crash caused bodily injury.

• The crash caused a death.

• The crash caused property damage worth $1,500 or more.

While you are not required to report minor accidents that do not fit the above criteria, it is a good idea to do so. A police officer can take charge of the situation if you are feeling confused and unsure of what to do. A police report will also be more evidence your attorney can use to recover compensation for you.

Admitting Fault

Insurance companies warn their clients not to admit fault after a car accident. This may appear to be obvious, but in the moments after a collision, a victim may inadvertently take the blame. Even a simple apology can be viewed as an admission of fault, which can weaken your claim that the other side was negligent.

Not Calling Your Attorney

Another mistake car crash victims often make is failing to call their attorneys as soon as possible. The reason this is so important is not only because your lawyer will protect your rights and help you gather evidence, but also because your attorney will deal with the insurer. An insurance company works against your interests after a car accident by trying to find every reason not to compensate you for damages. Your attorney, on the other hand, acts in your best interests. Once you hire an attorney, the insurance company is required to communicate only with him or her.

Contact a Lake County, IL Car Accident Lawyer

This list above is not comprehensive, and people who are injured in car wrecks make all kinds of mistakes. Calling your Waukegan, IL car accident attorney as soon as possible is a great way to avoid these mistakes and increase your chances of a higher settlement.

At Salvi & Maher, LLP, we excel at defending and protecting the rights of car crash victims. Our attorneys have successfully secured over $300 million in settlements and verdicts for our clients, and we are ready to get to work for you, too. Call 847-662-3303 today to find out how we will fight to get you the largest settlement possible.