Being involved in a motor vehicle crash can get expensive, so you want to give yourself the best chance of compensation possible. It’s important to remember that any compensation you may be due won’t land in your bank account automatically. You will need to go out there and chase it.
Along the way, you need to be sure not to do anything that could jeopardize your chances of getting what you are due. Here are some examples of what to avoid.
1. Suggesting you were to blame in any way
It might be that you bore some responsibility for the crash, but now is not the time for ruminating out loud about this. Whatever you think happened, never make any admission of fault. If it turns out that, upon investigation, you are found to bear the majority of fault, so be it, but don’t preempt that and cut your claim before it begins.
2. Thinking an insurer’s early offer is adequate
You look around your vehicle and figure it will cost about $2,000 to repair. Your back is a bit sore, but you assume a few painkillers and a good night’s sleep will sort that out, and you will be back at work by Monday.
If the insurer offers you $5,000 to settle, you might think it’s a great deal, as you can fix your car and have $3,000 to spend on whatever you want. The problem will come if things don’t turn out as cheaply as you hoped. Maybe it turns out your vehicle has damage to the steering that you did not spot, which will cost more to repair. Maybe your sore back does not improve as hoped, and you have to call your boss on Monday because you can’t get out of bed due to back pain, thus losing wages. Perhaps a doctor diagnoses you with damage to the spine, which will require an operation. The settlement that you so gladly took could soon turn out to be inadequate for your needs.
Having an experienced legal professional to guide you through what to do and what not to do after a crash is a wise move.
