Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Accident in Tennessee
There are many mistakes an individual should avoid after a car accident in Tennessee. First and foremost, it is important to know that anything a person says at the scene of an accident can be used against them in court.
Most people naturally want to be polite and cooperative, but by admitting fault, they may cause irreparable damage to their case if they decide to pursue a personal injury claim.
It is wise to consult an attorney before giving any kind of statement to the police or to an insurance adjuster. An experienced Tennessee car accident lawyer can help an individual to understand any further mistakes to avoid after being involved in a Tennessee car accident.
Refusing Medical Treatment
There are a number of reasons a person might not seek immediate medical treatment following an accident. Many people do not want to be a bother, or they may not immediately feel hurt.
If a person refuses medical treatment, an insurance company can use that against them as evidence that they are not really injured. After an accident, a victim is usually in shock, and they may not know the difference between being sore and actually being hurt.
Many injuries may not be symptomatic immediately. It is always wise for a person to go to a hospital or doctor after an accident so that they can evaluate and document any potential injuries. Refusing medical treatment is a mistake an individual should always avoid after a Tennessee car accident.
It is understandable that healthcare can be expensive, which can exacerbate an already stressful situation. It can also be difficult to incorporate treatment into a busy schedule.
However, injuries sustained in a car accident can be very serious, so it is important that anyone who has been hurt seek treatment from a health care professional.
Not Following up with a Doctor
The most obvious reason to follow up with doctor’s orders is to heal and recover from injuries. Nobody wants to have unnecessary pain or medical problems, and a doctor will oversee a patient’s recovery and recommend a course of treatment.
If an accident victim does not follow doctor’s orders, it can be used against them at trial. Insurance companies for the at-fault driver may introduce this as evidence that the victim is not really injured to the extent they claim, which can hurt their case. This evidence can be avoided if an individual does not make the mistakes of not following up with a doctor after a car accident in Tennessee.
Giving Recorded Statements
There is no real benefit to giving a recorded statement to an insurance company, and anything a person says can be used against them in the case. Even something that seems innocent, like apologizing to the other driver at the scene of the accident, can do damage to the plaintiff’s claim.
Insurance companies hire defense lawyers to protect their interests, and these attorneys will look for any evidence they can find to discredit the plaintiff. Anyone who has been injured in a car accident should consult with an attorney before giving a statement to an insurance carrier, which can be a big mistake following a car accident in Tennessee.
Speaking with the Insurance Company
Insurance companies will usually call accident victims, often within 24 hours of the accident taking place. If they are unable to reach the victim over the phone, they will usually send a letter.
Sometimes, an insurance company will send a check to an accident victim very early on. A person must pay careful attention to the language included in the paperwork with these checks. By cashing them, the alleged victim may be agreeing to a full and final settlement, and they will be unable to pursue further compensation in the future.
It is not uncommon for symptoms to develop after time has passed. If the injured victim has already accepted a settlement, it may be too late for them to recover any additional money to cover ongoing medical expenses. Cashing a check from the insurance company is one of the biggest mistakes to avoid following a Tennessee car accident.
Benefit of an Attorney
The biggest mistake a person can make after being injured in a car accident is not acting quickly to receive medical treatment and legal counsel.
The individual may believe everything is going to be fine, and they may trust the other insurance company to take care of everything.
However, by involving an attorney from the very beginning, a person can ensure that their rights are protected and they receive what they need to recover from their injuries.
Author Bio
Jim Higgins, founder of the Higgins Firm, is a seasoned personal injury attorney with deep roots in Nashville, Tennessee. A 4th generation Nashvillian, Jim carries on the legal legacy of his father, a judge for over 30 years. After graduating from the University of Memphis School of Law, Jim’s career began on the other side of the courtroom, defending insurance companies and learning their tactics for minimizing settlements. However, he soon realized his true calling was fighting for the rights of the injured, and for the past several years, he has exclusively represented plaintiffs in personal injury cases.
Since then, his dedication and skill have earned him membership in the prestigious Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an organization limited to attorneys who have secured million and multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for their clients. Licensed to practice in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Georgia, Jim focuses on personal injury, product liability, medical malpractice, and workers’ compensation cases. His exceptional work has been recognized by his peers, earning him a spot on the Super Lawyers list from 2021 to 2024, a distinction awarded to only a select group of accomplished attorneys in each state.
