You have been involved in a car accident. Do you know the crucial steps you need to take right away? What about the things you must never do? While the stakes are usually high after a car accident, it is unfortunate that most people never know what to do and what mistakes to avoid.
Making certain mistakes after the crash can greatly hurt your chances of getting the compensation you deserve for your damages. In fact, some mistakes can affect your physical health, making it almost impossible to recover fully from your injuries. Other errors can prevent you from receiving the maximum compensation — money you are rightfully due.
Here are costly mistakes that can ruin your car accident claim:
Waiting too long to file your claim
You do not have all the time in the world to take legal action against the party who was responsible for the accident. Every state has a time limit within which you can file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. This is known as the statute of limitations. In Georgia, you are required to file a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent within two years from the date of the accident. The statute of limitations is just one of the reasons why you should act fast. Waiting too long could result in the loss of crucial evidence that you need to prove your case.
Underestimating your injuries
So you think your injuries from the car accident aren’t serious? Well, one of the most common mistakes people make following a car accident is underestimating the severity of their injuries. It is important to note that underestimating your injuries can hurt you in two ways:
- The defendant and their insurance company may argue that the accident had nothing to do with your injuries
- It can make your recovery more difficult
Moments following a car accident can be chaotic and confusing. If you or someone you love is hurt in a car accident as a result of another person’s negligence, it is important that you take appropriate steps to file a car accident claim and get the compensation you deserve for your damages.
