A car accident is a scary, stressful event, made even more so by seemingly endless paperwork, phone calls and emails necessary to proper reporting. Here, the automobile accident attorneys at AFSL walk you through common mistakes made in car accident cases, and how to prevent further stress by avoiding them.

Do not make your car accident case more stressful than it needs to be. Avoid making these mistakes if you have been involved in a crash:

Failing to Call the Police

Someone has hit you. Likely, you are scared, possibly hurt and panicking. In this situation, it is important to call the police immediately. Police officers and emergency responders can help you to get the information that any future injury or accident claim requires, such as the identifying information of all parties involved, description of weather conditions at the time of the accident and witness and/or personal statements if necessary.  Having an officer complete a police report will be invaluable to your potential case.

Not Going to the Hospital

You may not feel injured directly after a crash, but it is important to realize that adrenaline and fear can mask physical pain. If paramedics suggest further medical examination, make sure that you go to the hospital or schedule an appointment with your physician shortly after the accident. First and foremost, doing so will ensure that you get the medical treatment that you need. Additionally, waiting to seek medical attention can be used by defense attorneys or insurance agencies to claim your injuries were not severe, which can reduce any possible compensation.

Failing to Tell Your Doctor Everything

No pain is too small – inform your doctor of any pain or changes in your health since the accident. Be upfront about any prior injuries, and whether they feel exacerbated by the accident. Your doctor needs an accurate account of your injuries so that your medical records represent the effects that the accident had on your health. Accurate medical reporting is essential to any personal injury claim.

Not Following Up with and Continuing Medical Treatment

You may need to begin seeing a doctor regularly, or attending physical therapy sessions to treat injuries sustained in an accident. This can be frustrating and is often time-consuming, but is critical to both your recovery and your potential legal claims. As mentioned previously, insurance companies can, and will, use any evidence to settle for less: if you aren’t following up with proper medical care, it will seem as if your injuries are not particularly troublesome.

Not Seeking Legal Counsel

This may be the most serious mistake you can make if you are injured in a car accident. Insurance companies are under no obligation to ensure you receive fair and just compensation. Qualified personal injury and automobile accident lawyers will walk you through paperwork, speak on your behalf and fight for you to receive the compensation that you deserve. Pursuing a claim without the help of legal counsel can mean making small mistakes that can have huge negative impacts on your case. Do not sign anything, say anything, or write anything until you have consulted with an experienced attorney.

With experienced and skilled legal counsel by your side, the stress of your accident can be alleviated. For more information, or to speak with a legal representation, contact the attorneys at Azrael, Franz, Schwab and Lipowitz.