A car accident can leave you with serious injuries and property damage. If you are involved in an auto accident that is not your fault, you may pursue the negligent party for compensation for your damages.
However, to win your car accident claim and get the financial restitution you deserve, it is important that you know what to do and the pitfalls to avoid. Here are two mistakes you need to steer clear of if you have been involved in a car accident.
Not reporting the accident
It is not uncommon for the other driver to try to talk you into sorting things out between yourselves. However, this can be a costly mistake, especially if they backtrack on any agreement you arrive at. Besides, South Dakota statutory law requires that you report any auto accident that results in an injury, death or property damage in excess of $1,000. Reporting the accident ensures that the police are deployed to the scene to investigate and compile a report on whom they believe was responsible for the accident. This can be extremely crucial when litigating your case in court.
Not seeking treatment
It is easy to assume that you have not been hurt following the accident if you cannot see obvious injuries like physical wounds. However, it is important to understand that some injuries may never manifest immediately after the accident. This is why you need to seek treatment immediately so that hidden injuries can be diagnosed and treated before they can develop into serious complications. Seeking treatment immediately will also help the doctor compile a medical report that ties your injury to the accident. And this, too, is important when pursuing personal injury damages against the at-fault party.
A car accident can leave you traumatized and devastated. If you have been hurt following an auto accident, it is important that you take appropriate steps to safeguard your safety and rights.