Car accident scenes are often rife with confusion, shock, and depression. It may seem impossible to think clearly, but it is important to remember that your statements and actions at the crash scene and during the weeks that follow will have a profound impact on your ability to file a personal injury claim.
Your top priority after any collision is to seek medical attention for yourself and anyone else who suffered an injury. Call the police and, if necessary, request medical assistance.
If the at-fault driver or the insurance company challenges your claim, you or your personal injury lawyer will need evidence to prove negligence, liability, and the value of your damages. The process of gathering evidence starts at the crash scene. When the police arrive, ask an officer to create an accident report. Take photos of the scene, and exchange contact information with all drivers involved and any witnesses.
You should also consider hiring an attorney to represent you during the claims process. The insurance company will look for any possible excuse to deny your claim. Your attorney can handle correspondence with insurance adjusters and help you avoid mistakes that could harm your claim.
If you would like to discuss your case with a car wreck attorney in Lafayette, turn to Laborde Earles Law Firm. We know the tactics that insurance companies use to deny and undervalue claims, and we will put that knowledge to work for you. Call 800-522-6733 to arrange a free initial consultation.
Let’s take a look at six common mistakes to avoid when making a car accident claim:
- Unknowingly Admitting Fault: The insurance adjuster may try to coerce you into admitting fault during a recorded phone conversation. You should never give the insurance company a recorded statement. It is best to let your attorney handle correspondence with the insurer.
- Forgetting to Call the Police: The accident report will contain important details about the crash that may help your lawyer prove negligence and liability.
- Forgetting to Speak with Witnesses: Eyewitnesses sometimes notice details about accidents that the drivers involved miss. Your lawyer may use their testimonies to support your claim.
- Not Taking Photos of the Crash Scene: Photos can tell the story of how the accident happened and possibly help your attorney prove negligence and liability.
- Putting off the Medical Evaluation: If you put off your medical evaluation, the insurance company may argue that you are not serious about your recovery and, therefore, are not entitled to a full payout. Alternatively, the insurer may try to argue that your injuries were caused by something else.
- Hiring the Wrong Accident Lawyer: There are several specialized areas of personal injury law such as medical malpractice, prescription drug defects, and motor-vehicle accidents. It is important that you hire an attorney who has extensive experience litigating car accident cases.
For a free legal consultation, call (337) 777-7777
The lawyers at Laborde Earles Law Firm have more than 250 years of combined experience practicing law. During a free case evaluation, a car wreck attorney will evaluate your case to determine if you have grounds for a claim. We will gather evidence, interview witnesses, examine the police report and doctors’ records, and handle correspondence with the insurance company on your behalf.
Call 800-522-6733 to schedule a free initial consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Lafayette.
Call or text (337) 777-7777 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
