Being injured in an accident is never a pleasant experience. In addition to being in pain, accident victims lose time from work and have medical bills that are difficult to pay. Even though emotions are running high immediately after an accident, it is important to avoid making mistakes that could cost you money later on if you need to file a personal injury lawsuit. Below are the most common mistakes accident victims make that could have a significant impact on their case.
This is perhaps the most common mistake accident victims make and it’s easier to do than you think. Even just voicing a simple “I’m sorry” to the other driver can be taken as an admission of guilt and have a negative impact on your case.
As the old saying goes, pictures really are worth 1,000 words. Immediately after an accident, it is always best to take pictures of the vehicles involved before they are moved. Take as many photos of your injuries as you can, as well. This may squash any claims the at-fault driver may make later on regarding the severity of your injuries.
No matter how minor you think your injuries are after a car accident, you must see a doctor at once. Waiting to do so places you at risk of developing complications due to an undiagnosed injury. When you see a doctor, keep all copies of receipts and documents that may help prove how seriously you were hurt.
Trying to negotiate a settlement on your own with the at-fault driver’s insurance company is a recipe for disaster. While the adjuster may appear caring and helpful, nothing could be further from the truth. It is the job of every adjuster to save their company as much money as possible, even if it means offering accident victims a ridiculously low settlement.
Every state has a specific amount of time in which accident victims can file a personal injury lawsuit in court. In Tennessee, the statute of limitations is just 1 year from the date of the accident. If you miss this deadline, you have lost your right to have your case heard in court because it will most certainly be thrown out.
Many people avoid speaking with a lawyer because they are worried they cannot afford it. The truth is that the vast majority of personal injury lawyers offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis. This means you only pay after you win a settlement for your accident related injuries and damages.
If you or someone you love has been hurt in a car accident, contact us today to learn what options are available to you under Tennessee law.
