Mistakes That Can Jeopardize Your Case After A Car Accident

When you're involved in a car accident, you might be in a state of shock after the experience. However, the steps you take after the car accident are important and certain actions can negatively impact your case.

Don't Forget to Contact the Relevant Authorities

After the car accident, you will not want to simply leave the scene of the accident. This can be considered a hit-and-run accident and might be illegal depending on the state in which you reside. You will need to contact the police immediately after the accident. In some cases, the police officer might give you permission to leave if the accident is minor.

Make sure that the other party is not seriously injured and ask them if they would like you to call an ambulance. If they seem seriously injured, such as if they are not conscious, you may want to provide emergency medical aid especially if you are trained in CPR.

Don't Admit Guilt

Even if you believe that you were responsible for the accident, do not admit fault. There might be other facts that could affect the extent to where you are found to be culpable if at all. Do not say that you are sorry because this can be misconstrued as an admission of guilt.

Don't Forget to See a Doctor

Seeing a doctor is essential so you can know how injured you are and so you can also establish evidence that you were injured and more easily connect your injuries to the accident.

Don't Take Legal Action Without a Lawyer

Very few pro se litigants win car accident cases, and a large percentage of pro se cases need to be appealed. In many cases, a pro se litigant simply makes errors in the filing of the claim that prevents the judge from moving forward with the trial.

A pro se litigant is an individual who files a lawsuit on their own without the assistance of an attorney. This might be done as a way to save money, but there might be a lot of money on the line and you may find yourself stuck with unpaid medical bills as a result.

Filing a lawsuit against the other party is often unnecessary, and an attorney may be able to successfully negotiate a much higher settlement with the insurance provider to keep your case from going to trial. This will save you time and increase your odds of success.

For more information, reach out to a local law firm, like Aldridge Teasdale PLLC.