If you are involved in a car accident, it is important that you take all steps necessary to ensure you are eligible for the personal injury settlement or jury award you deserve. Unfortunately, people make mistakes, and sometimes those mistakes can cost them a fair settlement. Keep reading to learn about these potential mistakes, and then contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 to request a free legal consultation.
Not Taking Your Injury Seriously
If you assume that your injury is minor and not a big deal, then you can count on any jury or judge assuming the same thing about it. For example, if you note that you have a slight backache but do not go to the doctor, only to later realize that you have a serious back injury, whether or not you were truly injured in the accident might be brought into question.
On the other hand, if you decide to see the doctor immediately and follow their advice, you will not only improve your chances of healing as well as possible, but you will be building a strong personal injury case too.
Avoiding Medical Care
This can come in various ways. It might involve you deciding that you do not need to see the doctor at all. Or you might have visited the doctor but decided not to follow all of their advice. This is a mistake. If the doctor tells you to go through with therapy or otherwise follow certain orders, you should do so. Again, not only does this help you to heal as well as possible, but it also builds your case and prevents the other side from claiming that if your injuries were as serious as you say they were, that you would have followed the doctor’s instructions.
Leaving the Police Out of It
Not all accidents need to be reported, but if there were any injuries (no matter how minor), or property damage of more than $950, then you are required by California law to contact the police. They might decide not to come to the scene, but either way, you are required to report it. Failing to do so is not only against the law, but it could make it look as though you did not want the police at the scene of the crime.
Failing to Get Evidence
If you are able to do so and it is safe, you should collect evidence while you are waiting for the police. Write down all names and contact information for everyone involved. Take pictures of the vehicles involved and all other relevant evidence, such as skid marks on the road.
Of course, the best thing you can do to increase your chances of winning your case is to work with a personal injury attorney who is experienced in your specific type of case. To request a free legal consultation, call Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 right away.
