Don’t let these 3 misconceptions stop you from seeking damages
After any car accident, victims can be unsure of what they should do. Do they call the police? Who reports it to the insurance company? Should they go to the doctor? What if they must miss work?
These and other questions can be confusing, especially if you are also dealing with painful injuries and a wrecked vehicle. Getting accurate answers and legal guidance is crucial. Without this information, you could make decisions based on misconceptions and end up with less money than you deserve. Remember, the insurance adjuster is not working for you and will always try to settle your case as quickly and cheaply as possible.
Three common misconceptions
Many car crash victims are not familiar with their rights and legal options. As such, they may rely on anecdotal data or outdated information gleaned from loved ones or brief internet searches which can lead to three common misconceptions:
- You don’t know what happened, so you can’t determine fault. A lot is going on after a crash. While people should try to take pictures, get contact information for witnesses and give police a statement, it’s not always possible to do these things. That does not mean you cannot determine liability. An attorney can utilize resources to confirm the details of an accident, including working with accident reconstructionists, securing video surveillance from the scene, ordering police reports of the crash, and collecting phone records as well as blood test results.
- Insurance will cover all damages. Insurance may cover some losses, but there is no guarantee that a settlement offer will be sufficient. Typically, an insurance settlementdoes not reflect the full amount of damages, and parties will need to negotiate. And in some cases, the company may deny a claim altogether. In cases of severe injuries and death, there is often not enough coverage to fully compensate crash victims. In these cases, it may be necessary to take action to recover directly out of the at-fault driver’s assets.
- Minor accidents are no big deal. Catastrophic crashes are not the only ones that cause serious injuries; even minor collisions can lead to whiplash, concussions, broken bones, and other painful conditions. And even if injuries seem minor at first, they could get worse over time and can linger without extensive and proper medical treatment. Further, injuries of all kinds can require expensive medical care, medication and physical therapy.
Taking your legal options seriously
Without having all of the necessary knowledge and information, you could end up paying for another driver’s negligence. Rather than wind up with significant financial obligations after a collision, it is important to discuss your case with a qualified North Carolina car accident attorney. An attorney can evaluate your claim and present a convincing case to maximize the value of your claim.
