Posted on Monday, April 13th, 2020 at 6:22 am
Driving around Sacramento can be dangerous. Even though you take every precaution to avoid a traffic accident, you cannot control what another driver may do behind the wheel of a car. Distractions, speeding, road rage, fatigue, alcohol, and countless other factors can contribute to a serious car accident. Car accident claims are common.
Regardless of whether your traffic accident is a fender-bender or a serious automobile accident, there are five things that you need to know about car accident claims to protect your legal rights. These five tips from our Sacramento car accident lawyers can help you receive fair compensation for your accident.
Five Things To Know About California Car Accident Claims
1. Be Careful What You Say
You need to be careful what you say immediately after the car crash and at all times while your car accident claim is pending. A simple statement can seriously hurt your injury claim.
Never apologize at the accident scene. Saying “I’m sorry” or “I didn’t see you” can be interpreted as taking responsibility for causing the car accident. Accepting any blame for causing the accident could result in much less money for your injury claim.
Also, don’t say that you are “okay” or that you don’t think you are seriously injured. Instead, tell the police officer and the EMS personnel that you will see your doctor as soon as possible. Saying you do not think you sustained injuries could hurt your ability to recover fair compensation for your injuries.
2. Always Report the Accident Immediately
Do not trust the other driver if the driver claims he or she will pay for the damages. You need to report all accidents to the police immediately. In some cases, the police may not respond to a minor accident that does not have injuries. However, you still need to report the accident to the police and your insurance company. You need a written report to document that the accident occurred.
3. Do Not Delay Medical Treatment
Delays in seeking medical care could also hurt your injury claim. Insurance companies use delays in medical treatment to claim that a victim was not injured in the accident. The insurance company may allege that the injuries occurred after the accident. It is generally best to see a doctor as soon as possible after a car accident.
4. Do Not Settle a Claim Too Quickly
Insurance companies may try to settle car accident claims quickly to avoid paying a larger settlement after victims complete medical care. You should never settle car accident claims until you complete medical treatment. Until your doctor releases you from treatment, you cannot know the severity of your injuries or the total of your damages. If an insurance company pressures you to settle your claim or accept a lowball offer, contact an attorney immediately.
5. Always Contact a Sacramento Car Accident Attorney for a Free Case Review
It can be very difficult to know how much car accident claims are worth without consulting an experienced California car accident lawyer. The insurance adjuster works for the insurance company. The adjuster’s job is to pay you as little as possible to settle the claim.
You need an attorney whose only concern is protecting your best interest to review your claim. An attorney can explain the damages included in car accident claims and how to value car accident claims correctly. A lawyer can explain your legal rights and what you need to do to maximize the value of your personal injury claim.
Call Now for a Free Case Review with a Sacramento Personal Injury Attorney
If you have questions about a car accident or injury claim, contact The Tiemann Law Firm by calling (916) 999-9000 or by visiting our website to schedule a free consultation with one of our Sacramento car accident lawyers.
