Experiencing a car crash is often a traumatic experience that leaves you unsure of what to do next. It’s important for Maryland drivers to be prepared before they find themselves in this stressful, vulnerable and sometimes life-changing circumstance.
The mistake that many drivers make is thinking that the recovery process for their money damages goes into effect automatically. Victims of car accidents have to take certain steps while being careful not to say the wrong things in order to receive the full compensation that they’re entitled to.
Be careful how you handle your case
There are some common mistakes that jeopardize the claims of car accident victims. These include:
- Waiting too long to file a claim
- Underestimating injuries
- Giving too much information to insurance
- Failing to call the police
- Admitting fault
- Not gathering evidence
- Agreeing to a quick settlement
- Posting about a claim on social media
What to keep in mind
Some people tend to have a “grin and bear it” philosophy to life, but this isn’t always conducive to receiving fair compensation after a car crash. Trying to downplay how badly you’ve been injured is one of the common ways that motor vehicle accident claims are thrown into jeopardy. Even though your injuries may not seem too bad at first, what started as a minor bump or bruise can develop into a lasting medical problem. If you wait until there’s a problem, it may be too late to file your claim due to the statute of limitations.
Toughing out your injuries doesn’t look good for your case on paper, either. When the insurance company is reviewing your claim, having you on record saying that you feel fine after the accident may significantly impact the amount of compensation you receive.
Car accidents are every driver’s worst nightmare, so it’s helpful to know how to handle the aftermath. As long as you promptly take the appropriate actions and avoid common missteps, you can make sure to be compensated for your damages.
