10 Mistakes to Avoid When Filing Your Car Accident Claim in Albuquerque

If you’ve just been involved in a car accident, then a million things are running through your mind. Even though an accident can send you into a frenzy, it’s important to stay calm, get organized, and ensure that you’re taking the right steps when filing your claim.

Insurance companies will do everything they can to prevent you from getting the compensation you deserve. Below are ten common mistakes that could jeopardize your car accident claim.

10 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Car Accident Claim in Albuquerque, New Mexico

1. Failure to Obtain a Police Report
   The police play an important role in the beginning stages of your claim. The officer or officers that arrive on the scene can collect valuable information that can help your case. From photographs to collecting witnesses, a police report provides critical information that the jury needs to see. Failure to do won’t just hurt your case—it will raise eyebrows at the insurance companies, too.
2. Not Seeking Medical Attention
   It doesn’t matter how minor of an accident you were involved in. You should always seek medical attention after a car crash. Many people might feel fine after a minor accident but may feel sore or unable to move the following morning. Choosing not to go to the doctor will also grab the attention of insurance companies and they will question whether or not you’re injured.
3. Saying Too Much at the Scene of the Accident
   It pays to say less. Be careful what you say at the scene of a car accident because saying too much can cost you. Even simple statements like “I was paying attention” or “I didn’t see you” could be misunderstood or misinterpreted. A good rule of thumb is to say as little as possible until you have an experienced attorney on your case.
4. Representing Yourself in a Claim
   Representing yourself is a surefire way to jeopardize your car crash claim. While you’re not legally required to hire a lawyer, an experienced attorney can help you navigate the ins and outs of your car accident claim. At Shapiro Law Team, we know how to properly communicate with the other party, present evidence that strengthens your claim, and will fight for fair compensation.
5. Giving the Insurance Company a Recorded Statement
   You should never give a recorded statement to an insurance company without speaking to a lawyer first. Otherwise, insurance companies can use your recorded statement against you. Never give out too much information, as your words can be misconstrued and twisted to mean something you did not intend.
6. Believing That the Insurance Agent Is on Your Side
   You’re vulnerable after a car accident—and the insurance agent knows this. That’s why the insurance agent will do anything to manipulate you into saying things you don’t mean. Insurance agents capitalize on your feelings—so if they start asking you personal questions or assure you that they’re there to help, take note. The insurance agent is not on your side.
7. Settling Too Quickly
   Even though you want to resolve your case as quickly as possible, the first settlement is usually never the best. Going the extra mile and taking time to build your case will only help further convince the other party that you deserve higher compensation.
8. Not Defending a Traffic Ticket
   If you’re given a traffic ticket after the accident, you have every right to defend it. Similarly to settling too quickly, you don’t want to pay your ticket off too fast. Giving up could be a red flag in your civil court case. Make sure that you are properly responding to a traffic ticket by hiring an attorney who can represent you.
9. Talking About Your Car Accident on Social Media
   In today’s modern world, oversharing is common on all social media platforms. Whatever you do, do not pull out your phone and start sharing details about your car accident. Insurance companies will look you up on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to garner any information they can use against you.
10. Waiting Too Long Before Hiring an Attorney
    When it comes to car crash claims, hiring an attorney should be at the top of your list. The sooner an attorney from Shapiro Law Team gets involved, the sooner you’ll be able to move on with your life. Contact us to get the ball rolling toward fair compensation and representation.

Involved in a Car Crash? Call Shapiro Law Team

If you’ve been involved in a car accident, contact the top personal injury lawyer in New Mexico. Our team is committed to providing you with the superior representation you need to get the most out of your car crash claim. Get the justice you deserve and contact us today.