Five Mistakes to Avoid in a Georgia Car Accident Claim

Have you been injured in a Georgia car accident? If so, the steps you take after the accident could substantially affect the amount of compensation you receive for your injuries. In order to protect your right to receive a fair settlement for your claim, avoid making the following mistakes after a car accident.

• Mistake 1: Not seeing a doctor after the collision. Your injuries may not be serious enough to call for emergency medical service; however, you should always see your physician after a collision. Some injuries may be difficult to diagnose (i.e. closed head injury) but could result in long-term or permanent conditions. If you fail to seek medical attention, the insurance company for the other driver may argue that if you had seen a physician sooner your injuries would not have been as severe.

• Mistake 2: Signing a medical release. The insurance company for the other driver may ask that you sign a medical release so that the insurance company can have permission to obtain your medical records.  This is a mistake. The insurance company wants access to your medical history to determine if a previous injury or medical condition can be used to discredit the injuries you are claiming in the most recent collision.  Never sign a medical release without consulting an attorney.

• Mistake 3: Providing a statement to the insurance company. The insurance company for the other driver will also request a recorded or written statement.  You may want to tell your “side of the story” but this is not in your best interest.  The insurance company will try to use anything you say against you later in your accident claim.  Never provide a statement without first consulting an attorney.

• Mistake 4: Settling your car accident claim too soon. The insurance company knows that you need money to pay medical bills especially if you are out of work.  In order to save money, the insurance company may offer you a quick settlement before you are fully aware of the extent of your injuries. Once you sign a settlement release, you cannot pursue a claim even if you discover your injuries are more severe.  Settling a car accident claim too early often results in a much lower payment than you are entitled to receive. You should consult an attorney before signing any documents.

• Mistake: Not hiring an experienced Georgia car accident attorney. Insurance companies prefer that victims negotiate directly with the insurance company instead of hiring an attorney.  Insurance companies know that victims who hire attorneys typically receive more compensation than victims who do not hire a personal injury attorney. The insurance company has a team of professionals working to protect its interests — you deserve to have someone working hard to protect your right to receive a fair and just settlement. 

Call an Experienced Georgia Car Accident Attorney

The Georgia automobile accident lawyers of Council & Associates, LLC want to protect your legal rights while you focus on recovering and getting stronger.  Contact our office by calling (404) 526-8857 or contact us now online to schedule a free consultation. We want to work on your behalf against the interests of big insurance companies that want to deny your accident claim or pay you an amount far below the true value of your claim.