Car accidents can cause major injuries, such as paralysis, broken bones, punctured organs, and traumatic brain injuries (TBI). More on the subject of brain injuries here. Additionally, car accidents can also cause soft tissue injuries such as whiplash. Soft tissue injuries are fairly minor compared to other injuries and people often discount them but they can cause you serious pain and force you to miss time from work.
What’s more, car accidents can result in temporary or permanent disability. Time off of work to heal from your injuries could leave you facing a mounting pile of debt and extreme anxiety about your future. The pain and stress of a car accident can leave you vulnerable. Avoid the following mistakes to help ensure that you recover the compensation you rightfully deserve after you are injured in a car accident in Woodland Hills by someone else’s negligence.
Settling with the Insurance Company Without a Lawyer
Insurance companies, even your own, often try to pay car accident victims less than they deserve for their injuries. If the victim signs settlement agreement without a lawyer first reviewing it, they could lose their right to sue. If you’re in a car accident, you need an experienced accident lawyer to look over anything given to you by the insurance company before you sign it.
Not Going to the Doctor
When someone who was involved in a car accident doesn’t receive medical attention immediately or soon after, the opposing party’s insurance company might say that you really weren’t hurt and that you’re just looking for money. Additionally, minor injuries that are left untreated could get worse without treatment and minor symptoms, such as a bloody nose or headache, could be an indicator of something more serious.
Not Calling the Police
It’s important to call the police after a car accident. The arriving officer will survey the accident scene and create an informational report. The responding officer completes the report as an objective third-party. This helps insurance companies determine liability. However, even the police can make mistakes. After a few days, you can pull a copy of the report. The report should be given to your insurance company and your lawyer.
If you’ve been hurt in a car accident, first get medical attention. Then, contact an experienced car accident attorney to help protect your legal rights.
For a free, no obligation consultation about your legal rights after an auto accident, contact Woodland Hills lawyer Barry P. Goldberg today.
