Five Biggest Mistakes Made by Car Accident Victims

Sunday, May 7, 2017 by The Law Offices of J. Jeffrey Herman

Nobody expects to get into a car accident. But what you do after an accident can often make or break your personal injury case. Because accidents happen so fast and suddenly, it can be difficult for anyone to have the presence of mind to make good decisions. It only takes one bad move to ruin your case. However, there are a few simple basic rules everyone should remember when they get behind the wheel. Avoiding these common mistakes can help accident victims recover the maximum compensation when it’s time to visit a Ventura car accident attorney.

Lying To an Officer

One of the worst things a motorist can do after an accident is lying to the police. Highway troopers and law enforcement officers are highly trained to diagnose the cause of car accidents. Ventura police officers are called upon to report at countless accident scenes each day. An experienced officer has seen or experienced just about every type of scenario. Providing false information at an accident scene is also against the law. Be sure to answer all questions by the officer as truthfully as possible.

Failure to Take Photos & Video

Just about everyone in Southern California has a cell phone. In today’s Digital Age, it is important for accident victims to document all their damages by taking plenty of photos and videos of the accident scene. In addition to any damages to your vehicle, make sure to capture any visible injuries. It is important to understand that crash repair estimates do not always reflect the full amount of damage to the vehicle.

Admitting Guilt

Under no circumstances should a driver ever admit to causing an accident. Even if the accident is your fault, allow the officer to draw their own conclusion. Another common mistake is engaging in conversation with the other driver. The only dialogue you should have is exchanging contact and insurance information. Do not discuss who was at fault. Do not engage in an argument. Let the facts of the case present themselves.

Failure to Document Injuries

Regardless of how severe the car accident, it is vital to seek medical attention immediately. Even if there appears to be no visible physical damage, car accident injuries can sometimes take time to manifest, such as neck and soft tissue injuries. A doctor can often diagnose injuries that are not present to the naked eye. Medical reports are an important tool when proving your personal injury case.

Failure to Properly Fill Out Paperwork

To receive maximum compensation for your injuries, damages and lost wages, it is crucial to fill out the proper paperwork. Seeking representation from an experienced and knowledgeable Ventura car accident attorney is the first important step. They can help obtain and file all the paperwork needed to build and support your case.

Contact a Ventura Car Accident Attorney Today

All car accidents can be unnerving. Whether you have been in a fender bender or a serious wreck that may involve catastrophic injuries, it is important to recover the maximum compensation to account for your medical care, damages to your vehicle and any lost wages due to injuries. For more than 30 years, Ventura’s personal injury attorney J. Jeffrey Herman has helped countless men and women recover the compensation they deserve. He utilizes an aggressive and comprehensive approach to help place each client in the best position to succeed. To learn more about how a car accident attorney can help, contact the Law Offices of J. Jeffrey Heman today and schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.