The Seven Most Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Accident in Amarillo
Amarillo Car Accident Attorneys Can Help You Navigate the Legal System
Numerous people have made costly mistakes after a car accident that caused them to receive little or no compensation. In some cases, victims are unaware of how each decision they make can impact their claim. However, you don’t have to make similar errors.
Seeking compensation for injuries and property damage has its difficulties and the legal system is not always simple to comprehend without legal guidance.
If you or a loved one were involved in an automobile accident and suffered life-altering injuries due to someone else’s careless actions, our team of Amarillo car accident attorneys at Tormey & McConnell can help. We understand the challenges and stress an accident can have on an individual and their family.
Motor Vehicle Traffic Statistics
The Texas Department of Transportation (TDOT) shared the following statistical data from 2017:
1 person was killed every 2 hours and 21 minutes.
1 person was injured every 2 minutes and four seconds.
1 reportable crash occurred every 59 seconds.
There were 14,299 serious injury crashes.
Car wrecks occur more frequently than people realize, so it’s vital to be knowledgeable about the most frequent mistakes motorists make that can influence your potential lawsuit.
Most Common Mistakes to Avoid if You Are in An Accident
The moments immediately following an automobile accident are imperative and can affect your claim. Countless victims have received little to no compensation because of the decisions they made after their car wreck. Below are the most common mistakes drivers make when they are involved in a collision:
Not Contacting Police
It’s in your best interest to contact police even if the accident is minor. The police can obtain essential evidence and determine who is at fault for the mishap. A police report contains valuable information about the accident that can be used to help you receive compensation for any injuries and damages caused by the negligent actions of another driver.
Denying Medical Attention
In some cases, an individual will refuse medical attention because they don’t feel immediate pain. However, some injuries take time to settle within the body before any pain arises. It’s important to be evaluated by a physician, even if you don’t believe you sustained serious injuries.
If you did experience injuries, a doctor can retain a record of your treatments and the progress of your recovery. In order to help develop a strong case, the documents stating the severity of your injuries and the treatment you underwent can help verify that you were injured.
Admitting Fault
Admitting fault to a motor vehicle accident can drastically impact any compensation you’re possibly entitled to in the future. After any mishap, it’s best to wait until law enforcement arrives to gather evidence. They can review the accident and make a determination based on the evidence.
Not Assembling Evidence
The evidence is one of the most prominent factors in a car accident claim. For this reason, it’s vital to take photographs of the accident scene and your injuries, if possible. Also, if there were eyewitnesses, make sure to ask for their contact information and write down their statement about the accident. These components can help develop a stronger case and improve your chances of compensation.
Not Obeying Your Doctor’s Orders
If you sought treatment for your injuries and the doctor established specific guidelines to follow, but you failed to comply, it can impact your settlement. If the insurance company finds out you disobeyed your doctor’s orders, they may reduce your compensation amount, or deny you of any compensation.
Settling for an Award Too Early
Insurance companies are fully conscious that car accident victims want to resolve their case as soon as possible, which means their initial offer will be low. It can be tempting to accept the first offer, especially if your medical bills are high. But settling early could cause you to receive less than what you deserve in the long run.
Waiting Too Long to File
In the state of Texas, the government has strict laws that citizens must comply with when attempting to file a car accident claim. According to the statute of limitations, a law dictating how long an individual has to file a claim, you have two years after the date of your injury to file. If you fail to file within those two years, you can miss your opportunity of receiving any sort of compensation.
Experienced. Dedicated. Fearless.
At Tormey & McConnell, our team of Amarillo car accident attorneys has been serving the community since 1998. Our years of experience and knowledge can work for your benefit. We are fearless against the insurance companies and will fight to ensure you receive the justice you deserve.
If you or a loved one were involved in a car accident and sustained injuries, you may be eligible to obtain compensation. Compensation can help cover medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and property damage.
Our personal injury attorneys can review the various details of your case and determine what legal options are available. However, time is of the essence when seeking to file a lawsuit against a negligent party, so don’t hesitate to contact our law office. Our team can ensure you don’t miss the deadline to file your claim.
We are available to answer any questions or concerns you have regarding your case. Call us today, or fill out our free case review form.