Being involved in a car accident is an overwhelming experience for everybody. While the first few seconds after the crash may leave you scrambling through your thoughts, making a mistake that could impact your legal rights later is much scarier.
In this blog, we will discuss three common mistakes that people make after a car accident:
Failing to call the police
In Kentucky, you are legally required to report a car accident to the state police when the incident results in an injury, a death or over $500 in property damage.
Even if your crash was only a minor one, calling the police to file a crash report helps create an unbiased and official record of the accident.
Admitting fault in the crash
While you may feel tempted to get out of your car and approach the other party to tell them that you are sorry, this action may translate to the admission of fault.
When you take the blame at the scene of the accident without consulting with a lawyer, you imply responsibility. In this case, your insurance company may try to use your statement against you and reduce your claim amount.
Not collecting evidence
Since Kentucky has a no-fault system for insurance claims, the amount of your damages must first exceed ‘certain thresholds’ before you can sue the other party.
These thresholds include $1,000 in medical expenses, a permanent injury or disfigurement, a broken bone or death.
Failing to gather proof of the crash can significantly affect the outcome of your personal injury case. Without vital evidence from the accident, it will be challenging for your defense to prove which party was at fault.
Information is power
By learning about the common mistakes other people make after a car accident, you can avoid similar errors in judgment and use counter measures that can help protect your right to fair compensation.