Top Mistakes that Hurt Your Car Accident Claim in Louisiana

Drivers in Louisiana typically travel close to 15,000 miles per year. With all that activity on our roadways, accidents are bound to happen. Car accidents tend to occur when you least expect them, and dealing with the aftermath is often a stressful experience.

Unfortunately, many people unknowingly make mistakes that hurt their claims and cost them some of the compensation they deserve. The Law Offices of Chip Forstall explores some of these common missteps so you know what to do during and after a car accident.

Common Mistakes In Car Accident Claims

Whether you’re involved in a minor fender-bender, parking lot crash, or more severe car accident, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by everything going on. But no matter how chaotic the scene becomes, it’s crucial to stay calm and collected so you can make informed decisions.

Unfortunately, many people accidentally commit a series of common mistakes during and after a car accident. While they may seem minor, these errors can seriously hinder your chances of getting fair compensation for your injuries and losses. But, by understanding these common mistakes, you can learn how to avoid them.

Mistake #1 – Not Seeking Medical Attention After A Car Accident

Immediately following a car accident, you are often filled with shock and adrenaline. Your emotions and the chaos at the scene may mask the impact of your injuries. Or, you may not even realize you’re injured at all.

Unfortunately, Failing to seek immediate care can give injuries time to worsen, impacting your
Health and well-being. This seemingly harmless delay of care can have far-reaching consequences for your health and ability to pursue a successful car accident claim.

Remember, you should always seek immediate medical care after an accident, no matter how minor.

Why It’s A Mistake

Not all injuries are obvious. Things like whiplash or internal injuries can take time to become noticeable. Failing to seek immediate care can give injuries time to worsen, impacting your

health and well-being.

In addition, medical records become crucial evidence in your claim. If you don’t seek timely treatment, it can make it harder to establish the link between the accident and your injuries.

Mistake #2 – Failing To Gather Evidence

Sometimes, when you’re focused on the damage to your vehicle and making phone calls, you may overlook the importance of gathering evidence. Gathering evidence and documenting the scene is key to proving your case and claim.

Take pictures of the scene, all damage, road signs, traffic conditions, and relevant surroundings. Get contact information and statements from any witnesses. After the accident, keep all your medical records and other documents related to your injuries. If you communicate with the other driver or insurance companies, keep a record of that as well.

Why It’s A Mistake

Gathering evidence preserves critical information supporting your car accident claim. It improves your credibility and strengthens your position during negotiations with insurance companies. The more evidence you collect, the better off you’ll be. Remember, you can go back and document the accident once it’s over, so take pictures and notes of everything when it happens.

Mistake #3 – Admitting Fault At The Accident Scene

Some people are polite and apologize even when they’ve done nothing wrong. During the emotional moments following an accident, it’s not unusual for people to admit fault at the scene.

To avoid this mistake, remain calm and control your emotions. Avoid discussing the accident with anyone other than answering questions from law enforcement.

Why It’s A Mistake

Your insurance company may use your unintentional admission of fault against you. This could impact your claim and reduce your compensation. This is especially true if they believe you may have been distracted, speeding, or impaired.

Mistake #4 – Skipping The Police Report

Even if the accident seems minor, avoid the mistake of failing to report it to the police. Failing to get a police report means you won’t have any official documentation of the accident or who was at fault. The police report may also include information about whether the other driver was speeding or under the influence, which can impact your case.

You should always request and obtain a copy of the report and check it for errors. If you find any problems in the report, contact the police department to get them corrected.

Why It’s A Mistake

Memories are less clear over time, and without an official report, it can be hard to rely on recollections of the accident. In addition, insurance companies typically rely on police reports to establish liability and evaluate claims. Without a police report, there could be disputes about the facts, which could negatively impact your case.

Mistake #5 – Not Reporting The Car Accident Right Away

In most cases, you have a legal obligation to report a car accident when it happens. In addition to the police, you’ll also need to report the accident to your insurance companies. Some policies have a time limit for reporting, and failing to do so can result in a claim denial.

Why It’s A Mistake

Failing to report the accident can cause many problems for your case. Your insurance company may deny the claim, meaning you’ll be responsible for your costs and damages. If you don’t report the accident timely, it can hurt your credibility and make it harder to reach a fair settlement.

Be sure to let your car accident attorney handle communications with your insurance company whenever possible.

Don’t Make Another Mistake – Contact A Skilled Car Accident Attorney Today

The decisions you make in the moments and days following a car accident are crucial. Your actions (or inactions) can strongly influence your claim and chances of receiving fair compensation for your damages.

Don’t make another mistake. Contact The Law Offices of Chip Forstall today to discuss your car accident case and get on the road to recovery. With four decades of experience, this is one way to avoid mistakes and have top-notch representation on your side. Our team of experts is standing by to help you achieve justice and the compensation you deserve.