What you do in the moments after a car accident can have a significant effect on the amount of compensation you’ll be able to pursue. There are some good rules of thumb to consider after a car wreck, such as taking pictures of the crash scene and exchanging information with the other driver. But each accident is different, and those steps may not be possible in your case.
After a collision, you may be too injured to get out of your vehicle, and not be able to do anything at the scene of the accident. Even in situations like these, there are still ways to protect your rights by knowing what not to do.
Common Mistakes After a Car Accident
In the chaos and confusion that follows a car accident, you may not know where to turn to for help in understanding your legal rights. Contacting the experienced car accident attorneys at Sklare Law Group is a great first step to protecting your best interests. Failing to contact a lawyer to fight on your behalf is among the most common mistakes people make after a crash. Choosing to face the legal process alone puts you at risk of settling for far less than your case is actually worth.
Other common mistakes after a car accident include:
- Admitting fault: Don’t admit fault to other drivers, insurance companies, EMTs, police officers, or anyone else, even if you suspect you played a role in the crash.
- Failing to seek medical attention: If you were seriously injured, this is less of an issue, but it applies to accident victims who were cleared at the scene by emergency personnel. Spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries frequently occur in car wrecks, but the symptoms are not always immediately apparent. Seek medical attention right away to ensure all your injuries are diagnosed and documented.
- Trusting insurance companies: Insurers are in the business of making money, not paying out settlements to injury victims. These companies have a vested interest in keeping settlements as low as possible. Don’t accept any offers from an insurance company until you have consulted with an attorney.
- Waiting too long: In Illinois, you have two years from the date of your car accident to file a lawsuit for personal injury. This is just another reason why it is so important to contact an attorney as soon as possible to begin working on your case.
The car accident lawyers at Sklare Law Group have built a reputation for excellence in car accident cases. Our attorneys understand the intricacies of personal injury law, and are committed to fighting aggressively on behalf of our clients to ensure you receive the full and fair compensation you deserve for your injuries both in the short-term and the long-term.
Call Our Chicago Car Accident Attorneys Today
If you’ve been hurt in a car wreck, call Sklare Law Group today at 312-263-0771 for a free, no-obligation consultation with our experienced car accident attorneys.  Our firm proudly serves clients in Chicago and the surrounding areas of Illinois.