An unfortunate reality for auto accident victims is that the things they say and do in the minutes, hours, and days after their crashes can impact their opportunities to get compensation for their medical bills and lost wages.
Insurance companies look for ways to reduce or deny claims whenever possible. In some cases, they can achieve this simply by waiting for crash victims to make mistakes that insurance companies can later use against them. To make matters worse, many victims have no idea that these actions can jeopardize their chances to get the money their families need, especially if their accidents put them out of work.
Lowell Stanley’s team of Norfolk car accident lawyers has represented many injured victims throughout Virginia, and 2 of the most common mistakes we see victims make are:
- Admitting fault for the accident before investigation is conducted – Never admit fault for a crash. This will be determined by experienced investigators after all evidence has been collected and considered. Auto accidents are traumatic and disorienting, and it’s common for victims to misremember what happened even moments earlier. Admitting fault to the police, the other driver, witnesses, or the insurance company can nullify your chances of pursuing compensation.
- Talking about the accident or your case with friends or on social media – Insurance adjusters are always looking for evidence they can use against you. They might speak with your friends, coworkers, or even look at your social media pages to find information about the accident. Keep all information between yourself and your attorney, and never post about the crash online.
The most important thing you can do after the accident is get an experienced and qualified legal team on your side soon as possible. When you contact us, we may be able to take over your case and handle all communication with the insurance company.
Call today to find out how we can help you—our consultations are always free.
