Taking the right course of action after a car wreck can make a night-and-day difference between a full recovery and having to pay for crash-related losses out-of-pocket.
Crash victims sometimes fall for the myths pertaining to medical attention, dealing with insurance companies, and hiring an attorney. These myths can hurt your chances of getting the compensation you need after a crash.
Seeking medical attention
Myth: I don't need to seek medical attention unless I sustained a serious injury.
Truth: You should always seek medical attention after a crash, even if you don't feel any immediate pain or injury symptoms. Certain injuries, such as whiplash and mild traumatic brain injuries, can take days to manifest. Some of the most serious injuries are those that can't be seen from outside the body. These injuries can be identified and treated before they get worse, with prompt medical attention.
Myth: I can only be compensated if I sustained serious injury.
Truth: It doesn't matter if your injury takes a month or several months or years to recover from. Medical treatment for minor injuries can cost thousands of dollars, which you are entitled to compensation for. In addition, if you need to take time off from work to attend medical appointments and recover, you can be compensated for lost wages.
Dealing with insurance companies
Myth: I must speak to the at-fault driver's insurance company.
Truth: You are under no obligation to speak to the at-fault driver's insurance company. You are only required to report your crash to your own insurance company, while sticking to the basic facts. If the at-fault driver's insurance company tries to contact you, simply refrain from speaking with them. Anything you tell them over the phone will be recorded and can be leveraged to downplay or deny your claim. Instead, let an experienced car accident attorney do the talking for you.
Myth: The at-fault driver's insurance company will pay for my damages.
Truth: Insurance companies are more concerned with saving money than ensuring that you are compensated for your losses. If they can't effectively deny your claim, they may offer you a lowball settlement that may sound too good to be true. It's important that you never accept a settlement without first consulting with an attorney. The insurance companies will not tally up your accrued damages and place an accurate value on your claim. Only your attorney can do that. You deserve to be compensated for every penny owed to you, not for a fraction of your losses.
Hiring an attorney
Myth: I can handle my car accident claim without an attorney.
Truth: Car accident claims are highly complex. They require thorough investigations, including obtaining police reports, surveillance camera footage (if available), and subpoenas of cellphone records (if distracted driving was the cause of your crash). Adequate evidence needs to be brought forward in order to build a strong legal claim. It takes the tireless work of an experienced Arkansas car accident attorney to accomplish that.
Myth: I can expect prompt compensation for my losses.
Truth: Pursuing a claim can take several months. Your attorney can gather crucial evidence to support your claim and place an accurate value on your claim. If the at-fault driver's insurance company can't reach an agreement with your attorney, then your case will need to go to trial.
To get started on your claim, contact McDaniel Law Firm, PLC and schedule your free legal consultation. You can also call our Jonesboro office at (870) 336-4747.
