At Block LLP, we have handled countless car accident claims for many years. With more than a decade of combined legal experience and millions of dollars recovered on behalf of our clients, our legal team has heard a wide range of bad advice and misconceptions, which can harm any person’s chance of obtaining financial compensation.
The following are the most common misconceptions about car accident claims:
- “I feel fine, so I don’t need medical attention” – Even if you believe you are not injured or your injuries are relatively minor, it is imperative to seek a doctor immediately after the crash. Since the shock and trauma of the accident can trigger your body to release adrenaline and other chemicals that may mask any pain, you may start to feel symptoms hours or even days after the collision. Not only can a physician determine the full extent of your injuries and how to properly treat them, but he/she can also provide copies of medical records for you to use as evidence in your claim.
- “It’s okay to apologize after an accident” – Although saying “sorry” after accidentally bumping into someone or getting in their way is a polite thing to do, apologizing after a car accident can significantly harm your case. The other driver and/or his insurance company may misconstrue your apology into thinking you are actually admitting fault for causing the crash.
- “I don’t need to call the police” – While the other driver may want to handle the situation without involving law enforcement officials, it is not a great idea. You must always call the police because the officers can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and create a police report that can be used as valuable evidence.
- “I must provide a recorded statement” – Your insurance agent may call you after the accident in order to obtain a recorded or written statement. However, providing such a statement is not required and not in your best interests. Insurers want accident victims to give them all the details of the accident and use their words against them. Wait until you hire a personal injury lawyer, who can help you provide the basic information to your insurance adjuster.
- “The insurance company will offer a fair settlement” – Insurance carriers are only worried about their bottom line, which is why you shouldn’t believe that they are looking out for your best interests. As we mentioned before, insurance adjusters will try to find any information they can use to either reduce or completely deny your claim.
- “I cannot afford a lawyer” – Although many types of attorneys require their clients to pay upfront fees, most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means accident victims do not have to pay anything unless they win their case.
If you have been injured in a car accident in Burbank or Los Angeles, call Block LLP today at (818) 740-5335 or fill out our online contact form today for a free initial consultation. Our firm has a 98 percent success rate!