Car crashes in Omaha are a daily occurrence. There are certain steps that people need to take to protect themselves, especially if they were not at fault for the crash and want to hold the other driver accountable.
There are also certain common mistakes to avoid if a claim for compensation is likely. Knowing what to do and also what not to do can protect people from lingering financial consequences after an Omaha area collision.
Key steps to take
Documenting the collision scene can preserve critical evidence about the placement of the vehicles. That information may be important later if the driver at fault does not admit their mistakes and a crash reconstruction is necessary to prove who was at fault.
Moving the vehicles after gathering evidence is also important, as vehicle occupants may wait an hour or longer for police officers to arrive. While waiting for police officers can be frustrating, filing a police report is generally necessary.
The law requires a report if a crash caused injuries or $1,500 or more in damages. Filing a report can help establish fault and validate that the crash occurred.
In scenarios where a vehicle sustained substantial damage or there are early warning signs of injuries, seeing a medical professional is also critical to ensure optimal medical recovery and the protection of the right to seek compensation. Diagnostic delays can raise questions about the origins of an injury that can interfere with requests for compensation after a crash.
Finally, consulting with a lawyer can help people understand their rights and begin the process of holding the driver at fault accountable.
What not to do after a crash
One of the most common mistakes after a car crash is the decision to apologize to the other driver, police officers or even insurance professionals. Some people may use an apology to raise questions about who was at fault.
Agreeing to bypass the official collision reporting process is also a common mistake, as is choosing not to see a physician to check for internal injuries. Communicating directly with the other driver’s insurance company without legal representation is also a common post-collision error.
Insurance adjusters may act friendly, but their goal is to limit company losses. They may ask leading questions or otherwise manipulate the situation to raise questions about fault. If communicating directly with the other driver’s insurance company is necessary, the party filing the claim has the right to legal representation.
Finally, the last major mistake frequently made by those hurt in car crashes is to accept the first offer from an insurance company. They expect to negotiate, and the first settlement offer may be below both the policy limits and the total expenses generated by the crash.
Working with an Omaha-area attorney can help people avoid common mistakes and make the right moves immediately after a car crash.