Car accidents can be a harrowing experience, leaving you shaken and uncertain of what steps to take next. It’s crucial to remember that your actions can greatly impact the outcome of your car accident claim in Cleveland, Ohio.
To help you avoid potential pitfalls, we’ve compiled a list of six critical “don’ts” to keep in mind. If you have been hurt in a crash, contact a Cleveland car accident lawyer for help.
1. Don’t Wait to Seek Medical Attention
Seeking immediate medical attention after a car accident is essential. Even if you believe you have only sustained minor injuries, it is important to get checked out by a healthcare professional.
Delaying seeking medical attention can not only worsen your injuries but also weaken your claim. Insurance companies often a delay in medical care as a reason to underpay or deny accident claims.
When you see a doctor, make sure to describe all of your symptoms and any pain or discomfort you are experiencing. Medical documentation is essential evidence for your car accident claim.
2. Don’t Agree to Handle Things Without the Police
The other driver may offer to pay your bills and ask you not to call the police. This is one of the biggest mistakes you can make after a car accident.
First and foremost, the police file an official report of the accident. This report can serve as crucial evidence when negotiating with insurance companies or pursuing legal action. Without an official report, it becomes much more difficult to prove fault.
Additionally, the other driver may change their story or deny any responsibility for the accident later. This puts you at a significant disadvantage should you need to pursue legal action later on.
3. Don’t Admit Fault
Be careful what you say to the other driver, the police, and the insurance company. Don’t say anything that could be interpreted as admitting you were at fault.
Ohio has comparative negligence laws. This means that your compensation may be reduced if you were partially at fault for the accident. For example, if you were 20% responsible for the collision, your total damages could be reduced by 20%.
4. Don’t Talk to an Insurance Adjuster Without a Lawyer
When you’re involved in a car accident, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is talking to an insurance adjuster without first consulting with a lawyer.
Insurance adjusters may seem friendly and helpful, but they are not working in your best interest. They may try to get you to admit fault or downplay the severity of your injuries in order to reduce the amount they have to pay out.
By speaking with an experienced Cleveland car crash lawyer before talking to an insurance adjuster, you can avoid falling into these traps. A lawyer will guide you through the claims process and help protect your rights every step of the way.
5. Don’t Discuss Your Claim on Social Media
After a car accident, it’s natural to want to reach out for support and share your experience with friends and family. However, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is discussing your claim on social media.
Why is this such a big no-no? Insurance companies are always looking for ways to discredit claims or minimize payouts. They will search for any information that contradicts your story or makes your injuries seem less serious. By posting about your accident or injuries on social media, you’re providing them with ammunition to use against you.
6. Don’t Wait Too Long to File Your Claim
When it comes to filing a car accident claim, time is of the essence. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is waiting too long to take action. In Ohio, the deadline for filing a car accident lawsuit is two years after your crash.
The longer you wait, the more difficult it may become to gather evidence and build a strong case. Memories fade, witnesses become harder to track down, and important details may be forgotten.
To ensure that you don’t miss your opportunity for compensation, contact a Cleveland car crash attorney as soon as possible.
Call a Cleveland Car Accident Lawyer Today!
Navigating through a car accident claim can be overwhelming and complex. It is crucial to have a skilled Cleveland car accident attorney on your side. A lawyer will present a strong case on your behalf and won’t let the insurance company take advantage of you.
If you were injured in a car crash, call our Ohio accident lawyers today to schedule a free case review!
