Being involved in an auto accident can be a traumatic experience, and navigating the aftermath can be simply overwhelming. One critical aspect of the process is receiving a fair auto accident settlement for your damages and injuries. However, many individuals make mistakes during the process that can have long-term consequences. In this article, we will explore common mistakes to avoid in auto accident settlements and their aftermath to ensure you receive the settlement compensation you deserve.
Not Calling the Police
Calling the police immediately after a car accident is of utmost importance. It ensures the creation of an official report, which serves as valuable evidence during settlement negotiations, helping establish liability. Involving the authorities from the start protects your rights, gathers crucial evidence, and increases the chances of securing the fair auto accident settlement that compensates for damages and injuries.
Not Consulting with an Attorney
Many individuals make the mistake of not consulting with a personal injury attorney soon after an auto accident. An experienced attorney can provide invaluable guidance throughout the auto accident settlement process, ensuring your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation. They can assess the value of your claim, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and advocate for your best interests in court, if necessary. Consulting with an attorney can significantly and positively impact the outcome of your auto accident settlement. Follow their advice as they direct you through the myriad of decisions and actions detailed in this article that you’ll need to consider.
Failing to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
One of the most significant mistakes individuals make after an auto accident is failing to seek immediate medical attention. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, it’s crucial to see a healthcare professional. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and delaying medical treatment can weaken your claim for a fair auto accident settlement. Seeking prompt medical attention not only ensures your well-being but also establishes a documented record of your injuries, which are essential during settlement negotiations.
Admitting Fault or Apologizing
After an accident, it’s essential to be cautious about what you say, especially to the other party involved or their insurance company. Avoid admitting fault or apologizing, as these statements could be used against you during auto accident settlement negotiations. Stick to providing factual information and let the insurance companies and legal professionals determine liability based on the evidence. Anything you say can potentially impact your ability to recover compensation.
Not Gathering Sufficient Evidence
Strong evidence is critical for a successful auto accident settlement. Failing to gather sufficient evidence can weaken your case and hinder your ability to negotiate a fair auto accident settlement. Take photographs of the accident scene, including damage to vehicles, skid marks, and road conditions. Collect contact information from witnesses and obtain a copy of the police report. Additionally, keep records of all of your medical expenses, vehicle repairs, and any other relevant documentation that supports your claim for an auto accident settlement.
Accepting the First Settlement Offer
Insurance companies often make initial settlement offers for an auto accident settlement that are lower than what you may be entitled to. One common mistake is accepting the first offer without fully considering the extent of your injuries, damages, and long-term consequences. It’s important to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who can evaluate the offer and negotiate on your behalf for a fair auto accident settlement. Remember, once you have accepted a settlement, you typically waive your right to pursue further compensation.
Have you been involved in an auto accident and need help with pre-settlement funding? Oasis is here to help!
Providing Recorded Statements without Legal Counsel
Insurance adjusters often request recorded statements following an accident. It’s crucial to remember that you are not obligated to provide a recorded statement without legal counsel. Insurance companies may use these statements to undermine your claim for an auto accident settlement and minimize their liability. Before providing any recorded statements to anyone, consult with your attorney to ensure that your rights are protected.
Settling Too Quickly
Rushing to settle your auto accident claim can be a costly mistake. Some injuries may have long-term effects that are not immediately apparent. Settling too quickly can result in inadequate compensation for your future medical expenses, ongoing treatment, and potential lost wages. It’s essential to understand the full extent of your injuries and consult with your attorney before accepting a settlement offer for your auto accident claim. They can help determine the fair value of your claim and advise you on the appropriate timing for settlement negotiations. If financial pressures are forcing you to consider a settlement that you believe is inadequate, consider applying for pre-settlement funding of your auto accident settlement. Pre-settlement funding, which in some states is provided in the form of a loan that some refer to as “lawsuit loans,” enable you to get a portion of your settlement immediately, before your case settles. You pay the amount provided, plus fees from your award once your case settles or is resolved successfully. One of the main advantages of pre-settlement funding is its non-recourse nature, meaning that if the case is not successful, you are not obligated to repay any of the funds received.
Underestimating Future Damages
When negotiating an auto accident settlement, it’s crucial to consider not only the immediate damages but also the potential long-term consequences. Some injuries may require ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, or future surgeries. Additionally, you may experience pain and suffering, emotional distress, or loss of earning capacity. Failing to account for these future damages can result in a settlement for your auto accident claim that does not adequately compensate you. Work closely with your attorney to assess and include all potential future damages in your settlement negotiations.
Sharing Settlement Details on Social Media
In today’s digital age, it’s important to be cautious about what you share on social media, especially during an ongoing settlement process for your auto accident claim. Insurance companies and defense attorneys more and more often monitor your social media accounts to gather evidence that can be used against you. Avoid posting photos or discussing details of the accident, your injuries, or your settlement negotiations for your auto accident claim online. Even innocent posts can be misinterpreted and used by the insurance companies to undermine your claim. It’s best to refrain from discussing your case on social media until the settlement is finalized.
Have you been involved in an auto accident and need help with pre-settlement funding? Oasis is here to help!
Ignoring the Statute of Limitations
Each state has a statute of limitations, which is the time limit within which you must file a lawsuit for your auto accident claim. Ignoring or failing to comply with the statute of limitations can bar you from pursuing legal action and obtaining compensation. It’s crucial to be aware of the applicable statute of limitations in your jurisdiction and ensure that all necessary paperwork is filed within the prescribed timeframe. Consulting with an attorney will help you understand and comply with the statute of limitations for your auto accident claim.
Not Documenting the Full Impact of the Accident
To negotiate a fair settlement for your auto accident claim, it’s important to document the full impact of the accident on your life. Keep a journal detailing your physical and emotional experiences, pain levels, limitations, and how the accident has affected your daily activities. This documentation can provide valuable evidence to support your claim and demonstrate the ongoing impact of the accident on your quality of life. Additionally, save all medical bills, receipts, and other relevant documents that demonstrate the financial impact of the accident.
How Oasis Financial Can Help with your Auto Accident Settlement
Fighting your case to achieve the justice you deserve is no easy feat. Even with the best lawyer in the world, rent, mortgage payments, utilities, and grocery bills wait for nobody.
If you’re struggling with household expenses and cannot work, you may wonder what your options are.
At Oasis Financial, we provide pre-settlement funding to anyone currently pursuing a lawsuit for an accident they sustained. Getting approved for pre-settlement funding gives you the breathing space to pay your bills, concentrate on your recovery, and maximize your compensation. What’s more, if you lose, you pay nothing.
Contact Oasis Financial now to learn more about how it works or apply for your pre-settlement funding.
Conclusion
Reaching a fair auto accident settlement requires careful navigation and avoidance of common mistakes. By consulting with an attorney, seeking immediate medical attention, gathering sufficient evidence, avoiding premature settlements, being cautious with your statements and social media presence, you can protect your rights and maximize your recovery. Remember, the guidance of an experienced personal injury attorney can be invaluable in navigating the complexities of auto accident settlements and securing the compensation you deserve.
The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. No attorney-client or confidential relationship is or will be formed by use of the site. Readers of this website should contact their attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. No reader, user, or browser of this site should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on this site without first seeking legal advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction.
Oasis provides pre-settlement funding, also known as consumer litigation funding, to its customers through different products depending on their state of residence or cause of action. Many consumers will be provided pre-settlement funding in the form of a purchase agreement, which assigns a portion of the pending proceeds from their legal claim. Other consumers, such as those in SC and CO will be offered a funding in the form of a pre-settlement loan, sometimes referred to as a lawsuit loan. These transactions have important differences, therefore, consumers should carefully review and be aware of the type of transaction that is offered to them by any funding company.