If you have suffered injuries in a car accident because of another party’s negligence, you may be eligible for monetary compensation from this party through a car accident claim or lawsuit. Taking the proper steps after a car accident can significantly help your case. One of the things you need to do is to hire a car accident attorney Cheyenne, WY, to help build a strong claim. Also, you should not make mistakes that can ruin your claim. These include the following:
Delaying or Not Getting Medical Treatment
After a car accident, whether or not you feel injured, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible. This ensures there is documentation of your condition and your safety. Also, you need to follow the care plan established by your doctor and attend your follow-up appointments. If you need ongoing medical care, your visit to a doctor proves you did not neglect your health.
Not Contacting the Police or Filing an Accident Report
In Wyoming, you need to report a car accident that leads to injury, property damage, or death to law enforcement. Once the police respond to the crash, they will create an accident report for you. They will investigate the accident to get important details they can include in their report.
Not Disclosing Important Information to Your Attorney or Doctor
When you withhold information from your treating doctor or attorney, this could have undesirable consequences for your injury claim and health. Your doctor must look into your medical history to give effective care following an injury. Likewise, your lawyer should know about your involvement in the crash to prepare a strong case for you.
Exaggerating Your Injuries or Damages
As you want to increase the value of your settlement or strengthen your injury claim, you may try to exaggerate your injuries and the damages you suffered. However, this could only result in the denial of your claim when the insurance company learns about the truth of your condition. If you want to make the most out of your claim, it’s important to be honest from the get-go.
Posting on Social Media
Social media is a common way to express your opinion or feelings. But when it comes to car accident claims, you should try to avoid social media until your claim has been resolved. Keep in mind that insurance companies that investigators who will follow you on social media to find information or posts that can be used against you and your claim.
Signing Away Your Rights
An insurance adjuster may contact you to get you to sign some documents. But you must consult with your attorney first before you sign anything. These documents may include clauses that waive all future injury claims or let the insurer access your health history and medical records, violating your privacy. Your lawyer knows when you can benefit from signing insurance-related documents, so it’s best to direct all communications with an adjuster to them.
Admitting Fault
No matter how sorry you may feel after a car accident, you should not try to admit fault or apologize to the other party. Otherwise, you will only devastate your accident claim. In Wyoming, you can only get compensation for accident-related injuries if you are 50 percent or less at fault for it. Although it is always good to be honest, assuming you were at fault won’t benefit your claim. You need to speak with an attorney before you admit fault to the other party or insurance provider. Your lawyer can investigate your case to determine fault and liability and collect evidence to prove your position in the case.
