Not everyone realizes how many mistakes can hurt their accident claim after a car accident. There are several pitfalls people can fall into if they are not careful. Even saying certain things after a car accident to the wrong people can lead to problems. Avoiding these common mistakes after a car accident might help you obtain the compensation you need. You can also talk to a Kansas City car accident lawyer for advice.
Car Accident Mistakes to Avoid
Both actions and non-actions can hurt a driver’s chances of being compensated after an accident. Some of the most common car accident mistakes involve failing to take action. A few examples of this include:
- Not calling 911
- Failing to obtain a police report
- Deciding not to seek medical attention
- Letting the other driver leave without obtaining insurance and contact information
- Not collecting car accident evidence right away
Some of these might be unavoidable depending on the circumstances. For example, hit-and-run accidents where the driver 
speeds off leaves no opportunity to collect the driver’s information. In less serious situations, drivers may not think calling 911 is necessary.
However, not calling 911 when there are significant property damages or injuries could lead to legal issues. This could hurt your car accident claim. Liability issues could arise if a person’s injuries worsen because 911 was not called. Some injuries can go undetected at first and may become problematic without treatment.
The longer you wait to seek medical help after an accident, the harder it will be to connect the accident to the injury. Similar problems can arise for drivers who start using their car after the accident before repairs are completed. Many auto insurance companies may see the use of your car before having your vehicle inspected at a repair shop as a problem.
Accepting the first car accident settlement or taking a check from the driver could be the worst mistake. Doing this may prevent you from receiving the compensation you need.
How to Secure Car Accident Compensation
To secure fair car accident compensation for yourself, the best thing you can do is collect evidence. Collecting car accident evidence looks like taking pictures, writing notes, and collecting relevant documents. You want photos of your injuries and vehicle damages. Write down what led to the accident. Document your injuries at each phase of the process.
Obtain documents like your medical records, pay stubs, and the police report. Keep receipts of car repairs, medications, and any other medical expenses. Do not be afraid to also write down witness names and statements. Consider contacting a Kansas City accident lawyer for assistance.
An experienced lawyer can help you collect evidence and organize your claim. Your lawyer can also help you defend your claim.
Kansas City Car Accident Attorney
Filing a car accident claim is tedious and often stressful. Start by contacting Peterson and Associates P.C. by dialing (816) 298-8708 to speak with a Missouri auto accident lawyer for a free consultation today. Our team of Kansas City attorneys can help maximize your compensation for lost wages, pain and suffering, and medical expenses. We serve clients in Kansas City, Missouri.
