You must be extremely cautious about your behavior if you have been hurt in a car accident. The following typical errors may make it more difficult for you to receive compensation for your injuries, so be very careful to avoid them. Contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 if you have been in an accident and require a free legal consultation.
Leaving the Scene
It is against the law to leave the site of an accident without first stopping to speak with the other driver and exchanging identity and insurance information, with a few exceptions. You might be charged with a crime for doing so, which would be much worse than being convicted at-fault for an accident in a civil court.
Not Taking Photos of the Scene
Not fully documenting the accident scene is another typical error that people occasionally make following a car collision. There really is not a good reason these days, when almost everyone has a cell phone with a camera, not to take pictures of the accident scene. Take pictures that include the locations of all the vehicles involved, any potential road hazards, any evidence like tire tracks, and of course any injuries sustained by any of the parties involved.
You would do smart to have your own set of images documenting the accident from your perspective even if someone else is already taking pictures or the authorities are compiling an accident report. Your automobile accident injury lawyer will use these images as a crucial piece of evidence while putting together your case.
Admission of Error
After a traffic collision, it is crucial to avoid assigning blame to anyone. Even if the accident was partially your fault, you do not want to assume full responsibility because doing so will absolve other accountable parties of responsibility. Instead, wait to speak about the situation until you have spoken with a lawyer.
Not Seeking Legal Counsel
Most people think their first call following a car accident should be to their insurance company. Actually, you should contact a qualified personal injury lawyer like Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas as soon as possible. He will represent you in dealings with the insurance companies and watch out for you to make sure you do not unintentionally say anything that damages your case or take any offers of settlement that are not fair.
Not Pursuing Medical Treatment
One final mistake that must be avoided after a traffic accident to preserve your ability to seek full and fair compensation is not following up with recommended medical care. If you have been advised to get chiropractic care or physical therapy and you do not complete the entire course of care, the defense will point to this as evidence that you are not really as injured as you claim and your damages may be reduced accordingly.
