Getting in a car accident can be terrifying and confusing. However, the way you respond to the situation can impact your personal injury case. There are several things you should do (and not do) to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. In this quick but helpful blog, our Clarksville car accident attorney discusses six common mistakes you should avoid if you are involved in a crash.Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Clarksville Car Accident
In the immediate aftermath of a collision, your mind can go in a lot of different directions. Should I call the police? Should I see a doctor? Should I admit that I was in the wrong? Below, we discuss common mistakes we see at our injury law firm.
Not Calling the Police
No matter how big or small an accident is, the police need to be notified. The officer on the scene will be able to help collect invaluable evidence that could support your case. For their accident report, they will track witnesses down, take photos, and examine the accident scene. They may also issue traffic tickets if the other driver breaks the law, which could be critical in your case.
Admitting Fault
Your case could be negatively impacted if you are not careful about what you say after an accident. Never say anything that could be mistaken as an admission of fault. For example, it’s common for individuals to apologize to another driver after an auto accident, even if they did not cause the accident. Also, be careful of what you say to insurance representatives. Speaking with an experienced car accident attorney in Clarksville, TN, first is always best to protect your rights.
Not Seeking Medical Attention
If you were injured during the accident, it’s essential to go to the doctor immediately, regardless of how severe your injuries are. By seeing a physician, you have documented proof of your damages and a record of your recovery process. If you file a personal injury claim, this can significantly benefit your case.
Failing to Gather Evidence
After an accident, you need to gather as much information as possible. If possible, try to take photographs and videos from multiple angles before the vehicles are moved from their positions at the time of the accident. Visual proof can help determine who is at fault for the accident.
Not Talking to a Car Accident Attorney
Anything you say or do can impact your car accident case. If you don't take the time to find the right car accident attorney, things can go sideways quickly. Even if you think you have a slam dunk of a case, it's always good to speak with a personal injury attorney as a precaution. Most injury law firms, including ours, offer free initial consultations, so why not take advantage of it?
Waiting Too Long to Make Your Case
If you wish to file a car accident injury lawsuit, it’s crucial to do so immediately. In Clarksville, the statute of limitations is one year from the accident date. For claims of a vehicle or other property damage that occurred because of the accident, the time you can file a lawsuit against a potential defendant is within three years of the date of the crash.
Contact Our Clarksville Car Accident Attorney for Advice
Our attorneys at Pete Olson Injury Law can guide you through this challenging process. With our Clarksville car accident attorney by your side, you can ensure your rights are always being protected.
Click the button above to fill out our online contact form or for immediate assistance, call (877) GET-PETE to find out how our team can help you.