Common Mistakes After a Car Accident: What Victims Should Avoid

Car accidents are an unfortunate part of life, and though some people can get through their lifetime without having a serious car accident, those who do, however, are faced with a confusing and overwhelming experience.

Following a crash, there are specific things that a victim should and should not do, and these actions could have a long-term effect on the victim's physical recovery, financial well-being, and legal case.

Tom Fowler Law is a trusted car accident law firm in Des Moines. The team regularly works with clients following an accident, and over the years, they have noted that some clients make mistakes that can negatively affect their case. By learning more about the common mistakes after a car accident, others can learn how to protect their rights immediately following a crash. They can also advise on common mistakes after a workplace injury.

Top Things to Avoid After a Car Accident

Not Reporting the Accident to the Police

Per Iowa law, any car accident that results in an injury, death, or property damage over $1,500 must be reported to local authorities. However, even though this is the law, many drivers fail to call the police.

Though this might not seem like a big deal, a police report is often the first and most reliable evidence a victim has in a car accident case. Police officers will include details like:

• Time and location of the accident

• Important statements from those involved or witnesses

• Preliminary fault assessments

• Weather and road conditions at the accident scene

Without a police report, it often turns into a "he said, she said," scenario, which often means a much lower settlement.

Admitting Fault

Though it feels very natural to apologize after a car crash, even if a person isn't to blame, saying "I'm sorry" can be seen as an admission of fault, and this could lead to a much lower settlement.

Insurance companies will look to see who may admit fault in an accident, and they will use these statements against the injured person. It's best in these cases to only speak to police officers and EMTs when on the scene and only stick to the facts. The other driver's insurance company will then need to figure out fault without the victim's statement, so always avoid apologizing.

Not Getting Immediate Medical Attention

It is very important to seek medical attention immediately following a car accident. Even if injuries are not immediately apparent or the victim doesn't seem to be hurt, medical treatment may be necessary, as some injuries don't appear for days or weeks, even if the victim says they feel fine.

From a legal standpoint, an insurance company may say that since the victim didn't get treatment immediately, they must have not been as injured as they claim. From a medical perspective, ignoring pain or other symptoms can lead to long-term health issues.

Not Documenting the Scene

With smart phones, there really isn't any excuse not to be able to document the scene unless the victim is severely injured. If they are not, collecting evidence in this manner is essential. Some of the things that should be documented include:

• Damage to all vehicles

• Road conditions, signs, and traffic signals

• Visible injuries

• License plates

• Skid marks and debris

It's important to gather evidence like vehicle damage as it can show the accident's severity and help to support insurance claims. Explaining what happened is also important in determining liability, especially in complex cases like a hit-and-run.

Witness statements can also help to support this, especially in proving fault of the other party, so victims should always exchange information with others on the scene, including insurance information.

If this information isn't available, it could make a significant difference in the outcome of the case.

Accepting a Quick Settlement

Following an accident, one of the other common mistakes people make is to accept a settlement offer too quickly. Insurance adjusters know that following an accident that people are vulnerable. They see medical bills piling up, and they just want the process to be over. So, insurance companies will offer a low settlement in hopes that a victim will accept it.

However, if a victim accepts this low ball offer, the essentially sign off on the ability to get more money for the accident, and there are no more legal consequences for the at-fault party. An insurance company, for instance, might offer an initial settlement offer of $25,000, but with an experienced team, a victim might be able to get $100,000 in compensation.

Handling the Claim Without Legal Help

Some people believe that they can handle a car accident claim on their own, and this is one of the biggest mistakes they can make. This will significantly impact any possible outcome or recourse a victim may receive. Insurance companies have teams of highly experienced lawyers working for them, and if a victim tries to go against that, they don't stand a chance. When a person works with a law firm, they get the following benefits:

• Preservation of evidence

• Meeting all deadlines on behalf of their client

• Negotiations are done by someone with knowledge

• Victims get maximum compensation

Victims should contact a car accident attorney as soon as possible following a car accident, even a minor one.

Ignoring Follow-Up Care

Even if a victim goes to the hospital immediately following a car accident, they may need to continue medical treatment following the accident. If they don't follow up, insurance companies could try to say that the injuries aren't as traumatic as the victim claims. Lawyers recommend keeping all documentation of appointments and keeping a journal of any medical advice from doctors.

Mistakes to Avoid for Better Outcomes Following Car Accidents

The aftermath of a car accident in Des Moines can be chaotic—but avoiding these common mistakes is crucial. From seeking medical help to documenting the scene and consulting with a legal professional, the right steps can make a dramatic difference.

Tom Fowler Law is a personal injury law firm that has earned a reputation for helping Iowans recover the compensation they deserve. With a deep understanding of Iowa car accident laws and a client-focused approach, the firm ensures that no detail is overlooked. Call now for a free consultation.