When you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident, the trauma of the experience has turned your world upside down. You’re confused, overwhelmed, and don’t know which way to turn. Once the initial shock of the accident wears off, there are certain steps you need to take. However, there are 7 mistakes you want to avoid after being involved in a motor vehicle accident.

• Admitting fault – although your primary instinct may be telling you to admit fault in your accident, DON’T! While you may feel that this will diffuse a tense situation, the reality is that you’re only going to have legal problems in the future.

• Failure to seek medical attention – there are 3 reasons for getting medical treatment no matter how minor or severe your injuries are – 1) you might not be aware of the full extent of your injuries, 2) your insurer and the Ontario courts will want to see evidence of your injuries, and 3) time doesn’t always heal everything (let your doctor determine what is best for you).

• Not gathering evidence – your accident scene is loaded with evidence that can prove who is at fault and help you remember the circumstances surrounding the crash weeks, months, and even years down the road. If possible, you or someone you trust should collect all the evidence that’s available.

• Not reporting the accident – in Ontario Province, you’re required by law to report an accident when someone is injured and/or when the damage to your vehicle looks like it will exceed $2,000. Otherwise, report your accident to a Collision Reporting Center.

• Settling your claim too quickly – insurance adjusters will low ball the first settlement offer and leverage your naiveté to pressure you into agreeing to a much lower amount. DON’T fall for this! Talk to a personal injury lawyer before signing any settlement agreement. They will ensure that it does not go against you when you file a claim.

• Talking about your accident on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or any other social media – believe it or not, the insurance companies and their lawyers will dig through social media platforms to find evidence they can use against you.

• The injury victim didn’t contact a personal injury lawyer – the laws regarding compensation for damages following a motor vehicle accident are complicated. The insurance company you’re filing a claim against will have their own lawyers protecting their interests in court, so you should, too.

For the most experienced personal injury claim litigation and to ensure your rights are protected, contact the Barapp Law firm today at (888) 226-4264. We are here to help you get the necessary assistance to help you win a fair claim settlement.