A car accident can create overwhelming stress and confusion. Unfortunately, many people make mistakes after a crash that can seriously hurt their ability to recover compensation later.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Aurora, you should avoid the following mistakes and contact an Aurora car accident lawyer to discuss your best legal options. Schedule your free consultation today.
1. Not Calling the Police
Some drivers choose to exchange information and leave without contacting law enforcement, especially if the accident seems minor. This can weaken your personal injury claim later on. A police report provides an official record of the accident and documents the resulting injuries and property damage. This report can serve as critical evidence in support of your car accident claim in Aurora.
2. Delaying Medical Treatment
Adrenaline can mask pain after an accident and lead you to believe you are uninjured. Waiting days or weeks to see a doctor allows insurers to argue that your injuries were not caused by the crash. Seeking medical attention promptly helps protect both your health and your legal claim.
3. Admitting Fault at the Scene
You shouldn’t admit fault after a crash. Even simple apologies can be interpreted as an admission of responsibility. A full investigation into the facts and evidence is needed before fault can be determined.
4. Failing to Gather Evidence
Many accident car accident victims forget to take photos, collect witness names, or note weather and road conditions. Without this information, proving what happened becomes much harder later. If you are physically able, you document everything to the best of your ability.
5. Speaking Too Freely to Insurance Adjusters
Insurance companies often contact accident victims quickly. Adjusters may seem friendly, but their goal is to minimize payouts. Giving recorded statements or speculating about injuries without legal guidance can damage your claim.
6. Accepting a Quick Settlement
Insurance companies may try to offer you a quick settlement before you have a chance to consult a lawyer or fully understand the value of your claim. Early settlement offers are often far lower than the true value of your claim, especially if you need future medical treatment. Once you accept a settlement agreement, you typically waive the right to pursue additional compensation.
7. Posting on Social Media
Insurance companies may use photos, comments, and activity shared online to argue that you are not seriously injured. Even innocent posts can weaken your case.
8. Missing Legal Deadlines
Illinois law limits how long you have to file a personal injury claim. Generally, you have two years to file a personal injury claim. Waiting too long can permanently bar you from recovering compensation in court.
Protecting Yourself After an Accident
To protect your rights after the accident, you should always seek medical care, follow your doctor’s treatment plan, and be cautious when dealing with the insurance company. Most importantly, you should consider speaking with a qualified car accident attorney who can help you navigate your claim and protect you from mistakes that hurt your chances of recovering full compensation.
An experienced car accident attorney in Aurora, IL can handle all communications, gather evidence, calculate damages, and guard you from insurance tactics designed to undervalue your claim. If you’ve been injured in an Aurora car accident, contact Feagans Law Group to schedule a free consultation to learn more about your options.