Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Car Accident Claim – Part 2

In order to recover maximum compensation for injuries sustained in a car accident, there are certain key mistakes you need to avoid. With compensation for your medical bills, lost wages and other losses all on the line, even simple missteps can lead to life-changing consequences. This article is Part 2 in our series covering 10 common mistakes that can wreck your car accident claim. Here, we’ll cover:

• Talking to the insurance companies
• Settling too early
• Discussing your case on social media
• Not protecting yourself financially
• Not hiring an attorney right away

6. Talking to the Insurance Companies

Shortly after you are involved in a car accident, adjusters from the insurance companies will likely begin calling you to try to resolve your claim. It is important that you avoid speaking with them. These adjusters get paid by the insurance companies. They are not on your side. If you speak with them, they will try to get you to say things that will compromise your claim for compensation.

7. Settling Too Early

Whether you talk to the insurance companies directly or you hire a lawyer to represent you, it is critical that you not settle too early. While it may be tempting to try to collect some money as quickly as possible, if you rush into a settlement, you will be making a decision about your future without all of the facts in hand. You should not settle your claim until you have obtained a thorough assessment of all of the losses stemming from your accident.

Insurance settlements are final: Once you settle, you may not be able to pursue any additional financial compensation for your losses.

8. Discussing Your Case on Social Media

If you are active on Facebook, Instagram or any other social media platforms, it will probably be tempting to talk about your accident online. You need to resist this temptation. The insurance companies and defense lawyers may be monitoring your accounts, and if you post photos or information online that could hurt your case, they could very well end up being used against you.

9. Not Protecting Yourself Financially

When you are involved in an accident, the bills will start piling up right away. Invoices for medical services, hospital facilities charges and other expenses can quickly climb into the tens – and some cases hundreds – of thousands of dollars. But, your personal injury case isn’t over yet, so what do you do?

The bill collectors know that personal injury cases take time. They also know that if they want to get paid, oftentimes they are just going to have to wait. There are methods for delaying payment without having creditors knocking at your door, and at Morrow & Sheppard LLP we can help you weigh your options.

10. Not Hiring an Attorney Right Away

The best way to avoid all of these mistakes is to simply hire an attorney as soon as possible after your accident. An experienced attorney will be able to counsel you on all of the things you should – and shouldn’t – do in order to protect your claim for compensation. Many personal injury law firms (including Morrow & Sheppard LLP) offer free consultations and take car accident claims on contingency fees. This means that you have nothing to lose and no reason not to seek experienced legal representation for your car accident claim.

Did You Miss Part 1?

If you missed Part 1 of our series, click to read about these common mistakes:

• Putting off seeking medical care
• Not following your doctor’s advice
• Failing to disclose past claims and injuries
• Failing to collect evidence at the scene of the accident
• Failing to keep notes on how your injuries impact your life

Contact a Houston Car Accident Lawyer With Morrow & Sheppard LLP about Your Claim

To learn more about the mistakes to avoid after a car accident, you can contact Morrow & Sheppard LLP for a free consultation. Call (800) 489-2216 or contact us online to speak with a lawyer today.