If you have been injured in a car accident, it is likely you do not know what to do next. Common mistakes made immediately following an auto wreck include not seeking immediate medical care, attempting to deal with the defendant’s insurance adjusters without first retaining a lawyer, and accepting a “quick” settlement. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can increase your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve.

Seek Medical Care Immediately Following a Car Accident

If you have been seriously injured in a car accident, you will typically be offered the opportunity to go to the hospital via ambulance. It is crucial that you accept this opportunity and go straight to the emergency room. Also, even if an ambulance is not called to the scene, it is vital that you seek immediate care. This is true even if you believe you are not seriously injured. Failing to seek immediate care can harm your case as the defense will often claim that any injuries you sustained may have occurred due to some other event that happened between the time of the accident and the time you actually went to the hospital. By going to the emergency room immediately, you can negate the defense’s claim and increase your chances of recovery.

Retain Counsel Before Speaking With an Insurance Adjuster

Adjusters for the defendant’s insurance company will often contact you immediately after an accident. This often occurs within a day or so. These adjusters will typically claim that you should meet with them privately and that retaining an attorney will not increase your potential settlement. You must remember, however, that these adjusters work for the insurance company. Their goal is to protect the company’s profits and not to ensure that you receive what you are entitled to. They will often attempt to deny liability altogether or offer you a lowball settlement. Retaining an attorney before speaking with the adjuster is important to ensuring that your rights remain protected.

Take Your Attorney’s Advice as to When You Should Settle

It is understandable that accident victims want to get the matter behind them as quickly as possible. It is important, however, that you not settle the case before your long-term prognosis is reasonably ascertainable. Accepting an early settlement out of a belief that you will make a full recovery can leave you without the money you need for medical expenses and lost wages in the event that you do not fully recover. It is your attorney’s goal to get you the highest possible amount, and it is suggested that you take their advice as to when you should settle.

Contact a San Luis Obispo Car Accident Attorney Today If You Have Been Injured

If you have been injured in a wreck, then it is important that you retain a lawyer as soon as possible. We are proud of the level of service we provide, and we look forward to speaking with you. Contact us online or by telephone at 805-546-8797 today to speak with a San Luis Obispo car accident attorney.