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Top 5 Mistakes To Avoid After A Car Accident In North Carolina: An Overview

  • By: Randy Emory, Esq.
Womens photographing damage after a car accident, highlighting steps to take after a collision - The Emory Law Firm

In this article, you can discover…

  • What to avoid saying and doing at an accident scene.
  • How prompt medical attention can greatly help your case.
  • Why you should allow an attorney to negotiate with insurance carriers for you.

1. Why Should I Avoid Apologizing Or Admitting Fault At The Accident Scene?

One of the key reasons to avoid apologizing or admitting fault is that insurance companies can (and probably will) use this against you. They can use your statements at the accident scene or recorded statements from phone calls to argue that your apology is an admission of liability or fault.

The smartest thing to do is get in touch with an attorney immediately. Don’t admit fault at the scene, and don’t speak with insurance companies by yourself. You can either have your attorney handle that call for you or have them present to advise you during that conversation. 

2. Why Is Delaying Medical Treatment After The Accident A Mistake?

Getting prompt medical treatment helps establish that your injuries were directly caused by the accident. The longer you wait between the accident and getting medical treatment, the harder it is going to be to prove a link between the two.

If you wait too long, the insurance company can easily argue that your injury was not related to the accident, that something else happened to cause these injuries in between.

A good doctor can link the injury to your accident, and the medical records from your doctor’s visits can go a long way in proving your case and your damages. 

3. How Does Failing To Gather Evidence Affect My Claim In North Carolina?

Evidence can include photos of the accident scene, witness statements, and medical records. Your attorney will gather much of this evidence for you. The more evidence you have, the stronger a case you have to prove your injuries, prove what they’re worth, and prove that the other party is liable for the accident.

Without this evidence, settling your case can be difficult. More evidence helps the insurance company or a jury understand the connection between the accident and your injuries, the severity of the injuries, and how it’s impacted you.

4. Why Is Accepting A Quick Settlement Offer A Huge Mistake?

Generally, insurance companies will offer you a relatively small amount. If your injuries are very minor and easy to recover from (such as minor bruises and scrapes), your attorney may advise you to settle for a smaller amount. But for more serious injuries, a quick settlement is not wise.

It’s best to allow your attorney to review your case, determine what it’s worth, and negotiate for you. Your attorney will make sure that you get proper treatment and the compensation you need to cover medical bills and your actual damages.

5. Why Is It A Bad Idea To Not Hire An Experienced Personal Injury Attorney To Help With My Case?

I’ve handled close to 35,000 cases over the course of my career, and there’s not much I haven’t seen. An experienced attorney will know what a good settlement offer is. An experienced attorney understands what cases are worth, knows the tricks insurance companies pull, and can give you a proper evaluation of your case.

In many cases, people without an attorney listen to their friends and family and wind up getting bad advice. Just because your family thinks an initial offer is a good settlement doesn’t mean it’s a good settlement. A seasoned personal injury attorney will know what a good settlement truly looks like and can fight with the insurance companies to get the maximum value for your case.

Still Have Questions? Ready To Get Started?

For more information on Car Accident Injury Claims In Charlotte, North Carolina, a free initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (704) 324-8500 today.

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