Whether you are the one who hit or got hit, there are a few things you should know not to do after being involved in a rear-end car accident. Are you curious to know what they are? Keep reading to get the answer and then contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 if you require a free legal consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney.
- Accepting or Admitting Fault
- Taking the First Settlement That is Offered to You
- Not Talking to a Personal Injury Attorney
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to tell anyone that you are at fault after the accident. Even saying something like “I’m sorry” could be seen as you admitting fault. You may wonder: if I am at fault, shouldn’t I say so? The truth is that you might not know the whole story. People in accidents often go into shock. Their memories are not always working well and they might not accurately remember what happened. It is best to wait and talk to your attorney before making any statement about the case – especially admitting fault.
If the accident you were involved with was fairly simple and it is clear that the other party was at fault, then their insurance company is likely to offer you a settlement. They might make it seem as though it is non-negotiable or that it is their best offer. It might seem like the smart idea to accept this offer, as it will clear up the situation immediately. However, it is not always smart.
Unfortunately, it is all too common for some injuries to take days or even weeks to become evident. This is especially true for whiplash, which is one of the most common injuries in rear-end accidents. If you accept a settlement, then you will be required to sign away your right for further legal action. If an injury is then discovered, you will have no recourse to recoup compensation for your damages related to that injury.
The insurance adjuster you will be dealing with has many years of experience working with the law as it pertains to car accidents. They have years of experience negotiating. They know how to make it look as though your damages should be reduced. Do not let them do this. Fight fire with fire by working with your own attorney who has an equal or better history of winning these cases.
If you would like to request a free legal consultation with The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, contact us at 800-333-0000 right away. We can take your case on a contingency basis that assures you do not owe us anything for your legal fees until we win your case. If we do not win your case, then you do not owe us anything.
