If you have been injured in a car accident in Texas and planning to sue the at-fault driver, it is important for you to know that everything you do and say after the accident can have an impact on your case. Any mistake on your part – even if it is inadvertent – can affect your chances of recovering the damages you deserve. Listed below are four pitfalls you must avoid during a Texas car accident settlement.
1. Delaying or Neglecting Medical Treatment
The first thing you should know about a personal injury claim is that the insurance company will invariably try to question the severity of your injuries. If you delay or neglect treatment for any reason, you might make it easier for them to argue that you are not as seriously injured as you claim to be. This is the first and perhaps the biggest pitfall you must avoid during a Texas car accident settlement.
2. Handling the Claim by Yourself
Unless you are a qualified lawyer, you should never, ever represent yourself in a personal injury case. No matter how well-informed or knowledgeable you are, you cannot negotiate with the insurance company, as they handle personal injury claims on a daily basis and have a much better and deeper understanding of the law than the average citizen.
If you try to do so, you might end up accepting an unreasonably low settlement offer without even realizing it. So, make sure you hire an experienced attorney to handle your Texas car accident settlement.
3. Talking about the Accident to Third Parties
The golden rule to be followed when it comes to personal injury claims is that you should not talk about the accident to anyone – at the accident scene as well as afterward. If you accidentally blurt out anything that can be considered an admission of fault or guilt, the insurance company might try to use it against you, blame you for the accident, and reduce the value of your Texas car accident settlement.
The only person with whom you can talk about the accident is your personal injury attorney. Even if a third party tries to contact you and asks you about the accident – whether it is the insurance adjuster, someone associated with the at-fault party, or someone from the press – you should ask them to talk to your attorney.
4. Not Contacting an Attorney Right Away
Consulting with a Texas personal injury attorney is one of the most important steps you need to take after a car accident. Any delay on your part can make it difficult for the attorney to collect the evidence needed to establish the at-fault party’s culpability.
Moreover, the attorney who represents you can give you valuable advice on what to do and what not to do after the accident. By following their instructions, you can avoid making mistakes that might affect your claim.
Looking for an Experienced Texas Car Accident Settlement Lawyer?
Attorney Dana G. Kirk is one of the top 100 civil lawyers in the country and has over 40 years of experience in handling car accident settlements. He has helped thousands of injury victims get the monetary damages they deserve. He can give you the right legal advice and fight aggressively to recover the financial restitution you deserve – through negotiation or litigation.
Write to us online for a free, no-obligation review of your car accident case.
