Five Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Crash

File a Car Accident Claim the Right Way

Enlist the Help of an Experienced Attorney

One important way to ensure your rights are protected after being involved in a car crash in New York City or its surrounding areas is to make a phone call to an experienced personal injury lawyer. At the Sheindlin Law Firm, we fight for the rights of crash victims and help them avoid the problems and delays associated with the personal injury claims process.

Throughout my more than two decades of practice, I have seen far too many cases where early mistakes by injury survivors harmed their ability to enforce their rights and maximize their compensation. Here are five mistakes to avoid in the hours and days following a motor vehicle crash in the NYC area.

Don’t Speak to the Other Insurance Company

If the other driver’s insurance company contacts you, it is generally to protect their insurance company and not help you. I have seen the insurance company “misreport” the information provided and use any information it obtained to build a case against compensating you for your medical losses, pain and suffering, lost earnings and other damages. Let your lawyer decide when and how to communicate with an insurance company and there will be little chance that anyone will dispute or “misreport” the information provided.

Don’t Sign Anything

The insurance company may try to get you to sign documents. Don’t do it unless you have an attorney who has reviewed the documents and given you the okay.

Don’t Skip Seeing a Doctor

Many people skip seeing a doctor after a crash because it is inconvenient or they want to “tough it out.” It is important to see a doctor because, too often, people are more injured than they realize. It is also crucial to see a doctor early on to establish a record of medical complaints in the event your symptoms worsen in the future.

Don’t Settle

Do not settle without an attorney for two important reasons: first, the insurance company’s initial settlement offer is often a lowball offer that favors the insurance company; and second, you must be certain of the extent of your injuries and recovery because you cannot renegotiate your settlement if your conditions worsens or medical costs unexpectedly increase.

Don’t Fail to Contact an Attorney

I cannot stress enough how important it is to have an experienced advocate looking out for your interests. The insurance company knows how important this is and will surely be assisted by its own team of lawyers who are focused on limiting your compensation. Contact my Manhattan office online or by calling 212-625-8030 today to schedule a free initial consultation.