How to Strengthen a Car Accident Claim in Austin
Car accidents occur so quickly and unexpectedly, often shaking up the people involved in the accident and putting them into an emotional state of shock. Motor vehicle accidents can be traumatic and life-changing, which, if not handled with proper care and expertise, can negatively impact the victim’s life forever.
The trauma from a car wreck can affect a victim’s mental health and cause them to say and do things that may damage their ability to receive compensation for personal injuries and property damage.
Car crashes are the leading cause of death and injury in the United States. After the accident, people often wonder about the steps they could have taken to prevent the accident, even if, in reality, the accident was not their fault.
However, according to an experienced Austin auto accident lawyer, there are a number of statements that you should never make to the police or insurance adjusters because they may ruin your chances of securing the compensation you deserve after an accident.
Things Not to Do After a Car Accident
We certainly do not advocate that you lie, but you also do not necessarily have to volunteer information that may be irrelevant to the case. According to Austin accident lawyers, if you volunteer this information to the police, it will likely end up in the police report.
That piece of information would then probably be used against you to decrease or eliminate the amount of compensation to which you may be entitled, regarldless of how irrelevant the information may be to the actual cause of the accident.
Likewise, an insurance claims specialist will most likely use the information you provide in an attempt to shift blame for the accident to you, thereby diminishing the value of your claim. If you have information that you believe is irrelevant to the cause the accident and could be wrongly used against you, be sure to first consult with an experienced Austin injury lawyer before divulging any related details.
Listed below are four examples of facts that may or may not be relevant to your car accident case but that you should never say to the police or an insurance adjuster in the aftermath of an accident:
- “I am on medication.” It might so happen that you recently started a new prescription, a new painkiller, or take anxiety medication. Maybe you took a dose of cough syrup or an allergy pill before getting behind the wheel. In any case, an insurance agent will almost certainly try to use that information against you, falsely accusing you of somehow contributing to the car crash because you were under the influence of a drug. So, do not volunteer this information to police officers or insurance claim specialists at any cost.
- “I was on the phone.” Using a mobile phone while driving is currently one of the top driving distractions that leads to accidents in Austin. If you mention that you were on the phone at the time of the accident to any insurance adjuster, they will most likely assume that you caused the car crash and that, as a result, you do not deserve any compensation for your injuries. Let the police determine the actual cause of the accident without volunteering unnecessary details.
- “My car hasn’t been working right.” Your brakes could be squeaky, you might have been driving with a taillight out, that funny noise just will not quit, or you may have forgotten to get regular maintenance. These issues may have contributed to causing a car accident. If so, the police will discover that in a standard vehicle safety check, so do not share details like these without prompting.
- “I was exhausted.” Another common problem for drivers of all ages and backgrounds is fatigue. And, while it is true that sleepy drivers can sometimes cause car accidents, being tired does not automatically mean that you were the one who made a driving error that caused the crash. Again, in almost all cases, an insurance agent will hear that and make assumptions without knowing the facts. So, talk to an Austin car accident lawyer before sharing any information like this.
Insurance is a billion-dollar-per-year industry, and these companies do not grow by paying out every claim that comes across their desks. Claims specialists are often incentivized to deny or reduce the payout on claims, so they will look for any reason to either deny your claim or diminish its value. So, it is essential for you not to divulge any detail that can potentially damage your chances of securing the compensation you need.
Almost every insurance adjuster out there will jump on anything you say to try to prove that you were somehow responsible for or contributed to the car accident. This way, the insurance company can avoid paying you any compensation for your injuries.
Instead, contact an Austin auto accident lawyer who has experience handling car accident cases to help you maintain your right to compensation following a crash. A skilled legal professional can assist you with handling your claim, allowing you to recover the amount you deserve for your loss and injuries.
How to Pursue Maximum Compensation
Here are few essential tips that can help you get the compensation you deserve for an injury claim.
- The most important thing you need to do is get a medical report from a doctor. In fact, an authentic medical report is the best proof to show the extent of your injuries resulting from an accident.
- Inform law enforcement about the accident immediately after it takes place. Request a copy of the police report for your records, as well.
- Seek legal help and then inform your insurance agent or company about the accident as soon as possible. This is an essential step to prepare for any potential disputes that occur after the car accident.
- You must try your best to prove that the accident happened due to the other party’s negligence. You can collect the following items from the accident scene to strengthen your case.
- Photographs of the accident scene and the area of the accident.
- The insurance policy number of the involved parties and the name of the insurance company.
- The name, phone number, and address of the involved parties
- Details of other parties’ types of car, color, and plate numbers
- Eyewitness testimony is essential. Therefore, collect the contact information and name of all the witnesses available at the accident scene.
- Retain all vehicle repair bills and medical bills. Also, keep a tab on how many days you missed work because of the injury that you sustained in the accident.
Insurance companies may reject coverage on the insurance policy based on a policy contract provision, or one of the other parties involved may sue you for personal damages. All cars and other motor vehicles are required by the law to have insurance to protect against any highway traffic accident that may occur.
The compensation on traffic accident claims is based on both the direct and indirect effects the victim suffered. After considering the damage to property, income loss, cost of repair, and other medical expenses, the parties may agree to a settlement.
It is vital to file a claim for any sustained damages or wrongful death because it can help with financial pressure you face relating to medical expenses, expenses for mental trauma, and repair and replacement costs for property.
Seek Legal Help From an Experienced Austin Car Accident Lawyer!
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Texas, contact Khattar Law, P.C., for a free consultation right away. We do our best to address the unique demands of each case and support you in your times of need. Contact today to schedule a free case evaluation and learn your chances of succeeding at trial.
Our Austin car accident lawyer is always available to help you navigate through the difficult aftermath of a crash by providing the necessary legal guidance. All of our lawyers have the experience to handle all types of complex legal claims while you focus on recovering from the accident.
At Khattar Law, P.C., we help all types of clients with issues relating to disability, a wrongful death in the family, or injuries after a severe accident.