It can be confusing to file an insurance claim for compensation for injuries caused in a pedestrian accident. The process can quickly become more complicated if the negligent driver’s insurance company asks for stacks of paperwork and tries to come up with excuses to deny your claim or convince you to accept less than you are entitled .jpeg)
to in your settlement.
For a better chance of winning your case, you need to avoid making mistakes that give the insurance adjuster ammunition to deny or dispute your claim. It can be hard to know what errors to watch for if you have never filed an injury accident claim before. Here, we share five mistakes that could hurt your case and force you to accept less compensation than you deserve.
#1: Not Getting Prompt Medical Care
If you delay getting medical care, you jeopardize your health and your claim. The reality is that you may experience little to no symptoms of many injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, back injuries, and internal injuries, until days or longer after your pedestrian accident.
If you put off being examined by a doctor, the condition could worsen or become life-threatening. In addition, the insurance adjuster could argue that your injuries are not as serious as you claim.
#2: Not Contacting the Police
If you do not believe you were hurt, you may be tempted to skip calling the police. You would lose important evidence that could help you convince the insurance company of their insured’s negligence in causing your accident. Helpful information that the police report could contain includes:
- Details of the date, time, and place of your pedestrian accident and how it occurred
- Statements of the at-fault motorist and witnesses
- Officer’s conclusions as to who caused your accident
- Whether any traffic citations were issued
#3: Not Getting Contact Information
It is crucial to get the contact information for the driver who struck you and their insurance information. Without it, you will not be able to file a claim for compensation.
#4: Not Collecting Evidence
You must prove that the driver’s negligence caused your accident, the seriousness of your injuries, and the amount of compensation you should receive if you want to win your case. Without evidence, you will not be able to establish your right to damages. In addition, you could lose some evidence, such as witness contact information, statements, and photos at the accident scene, if you do not collect them right away.
#5: Not Hiring a Lawyer Immediately
One of the biggest mistakes you could make would be to not retain an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible after your pedestrian accident. They can help you avoid these and other costly mistakes, collect all the evidence you need, and negotiate your settlement so that the insurance company treats you fairly and fully compensates you for your injuries.
If you or a family member were hurt in a pedestrian accident in Roswell, our knowledgeable legal team is here to help you. Call our office to schedule a free consultation to get your questions answered and learn how we will assist you.
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