A car accident can leave you feeling shaken, overwhelmed, and unsure of what to do next. While it’s natural to be in shock, making the wrong moves after an accident can hurt your ability to recover compensation for injuries and damages. If you’ve been involved in a collision, avoiding these five common mistakes can help protect your rights and financial future.
1. Failing to Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, skipping a medical evaluation after an accident is a critical mistake. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent. Getting checked by a doctor ensures that hidden injuries are diagnosed early and provides crucial medical records if you need to file a claim later.
Tip: Always visit a healthcare provider as soon as possible after an accident, even if you don’t have visible injuries.
2. Not Calling the Police
In Illinois, it’s required to report accidents involving injury, death, or property damage over $1,500. Failing to call the police can complicate your case, as an official accident report is a key piece of evidence for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
Tip: When officers arrive, provide factual information but avoid admitting fault, as liability should be determined through an investigation.
3. Talking to the Insurance Company Without Legal Advice
Insurance adjusters often seem helpful, but their goal is to minimize payouts. Giving a recorded statement or accepting a quick settlement can lead to receiving less than you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Tip: Before speaking with any insurance company, consult with a car accident lawyer in Champaign to ensure your rights are protected.
4. Not Gathering Evidence at the Scene
Without proper documentation, proving fault and damages can be challenging. Failing to collect evidence like photos, witness statements, and contact details can weaken your claim.
Tip: If you’re physically able, take pictures of the accident scene, vehicle damage, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Gather witness names and phone numbers for future reference.
5. Delaying Contacting a Lawyer
Many accident victims wait too long to seek legal advice, thinking they can handle the claim alone. However, missing deadlines or making missteps in communication with insurance companies can hurt your case. A skilled car accident lawyer in Champaign can handle negotiations, gather evidence, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Tip: Reach out to Kaluzny Law as soon as possible after your accident for a free consultation. I can guide you through the legal process and ensure your rights are fully protected.
Need Legal Help After a Car Accident?
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Champaign, don’t navigate the aftermath alone. Kaluzny Law is here to help. Contact me today for a free case evaluation and let me fight for the compensation you deserve.