3 of the Most Common Post-Accident Mistakes

After an auto accident, you are likely to be in shock and pain, especially when the accident was not your fault. The most important thing you can do in this situation is keep calm, because the actions you take immediately after a collision can impact whether you are eligible for compensation and how much you can get.

At Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin, our goal is always to get maximum compensation for our clients. To that end, we want to help drivers and passengers learn what pitfalls they may encounter after collisions.

It’s important to remember that the insurance company is primarily interested in its profits, not your best interests after an accident. So to protect your rights to fair compensation, keep these tips in mind when filing your claim.

What Not to Do After an Auto Accident

Some of the most common post-auto accident mistakes that can result in compensation claims being reduced or denied include:

1. Admitting fault for the crash ­– Never admit fault prematurely, even if you think you may be partially or fully at fault. Accidents happen suddenly and usually cause a great deal of confusion; you may not have all the facts in the moment. Until evidence proves who was at fault, avoid making statements to the police or insurance company about who or what caused the crash.
2. Not getting immediate treatment for your injuries ­– It’s important to get examined by a medical professional as soon as possible after an accident because some injuries may not become apparent to you until later. If the injuries cited in your claim conflict with or are exaggerated in relation to your medical records, or if your injuries can’t be linked to the accident, your claim may be denied.
3. Posting about your accident or claim on social media—Insurance adjusters may view your social media profiles to look for incriminating statements or evidence that can be used against you to deny your claim, even if the posts are taken out of context. Only discuss your claim and your accident with your doctor, lawyer, and family members.

Do you or a loved one need help paying your medical bills or recovering lost wages after a car accident? The team at Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin wants to help. Contact our Indiana car accident attorneys today for a free case review.