Car crashes are an ongoing stress. Even after you’ve exchanged insurance information and contacted your attorney, you still have a long way to go in the fight for justice. Not only that, but the insurance company is looking for any slipup on your part that might justify a shift of assigned fault or a smaller settlement offer.
To help you stay safe and improve your chances of receiving the full damages you are entitled to, we’re going to examine three ways to protect yourself after a car crash.
Attend All Your Follow-Up Appointments
It’s a common mistake, but a costly one. Someone injured in a crash goes to the doctor immediately, gets a diagnosis, and then never returns for a follow-up appointment. That casts doubt on the severity of your injuries because it suggests that you don’t need compensation for long-term care, even if you experience daily pain.
Remember to continue attending your scheduled doctor’s appointments until your doctor says you are back to health. Likewise, avoid rescheduling and skipping appointments when at all possible. The insurance company may take skipped or rescheduled appointments into account as well, even if you had a legitimate reason.
Don’t Post on Social Media
When you’re injured, assume that the insurance companies are keeping an eye on all of your social media accounts. They’re looking for any small piece of information they could potentially use against you.
Most people don’t realize this, but if you post anything about your crash on social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.), the insurance company can subpoena your account. That means they’d have full access to everything in your account, including private messages and comments on private pages. If they find phrasing they believe either shifts fault or suggests your injuries aren’t as severe as you claim, it can be extremely difficult to earn the compensation you need to move forward.
Don’t Talk to the Insurance Adjusters
One of the biggest mistakes people make after a crash is saying too much to the insurance adjuster or even accepting a call from the other driver’s insurance company. In the overwhelming majority of cases, you have nothing to gain by speaking to any insurance adjuster. In fact, speaking to the insurance companies is almost always harmful to your case.
If an insurance adjuster tries to contact you, remember that you have no obligation to speak with them until you have your attorney present. Hiring an attorney is one of the most effective ways to understand and avoid some of the most common car crash pitfalls, helping you to pursue the full damages you need to move forward.
If you were hit and hurt in a car crash, we’re here to help. To schedule a free case consultation with an experienced car accident lawyer from Payne Law Firm, please don’t hesitate to call (713) 999-4801 or send us an email.