After a traumatic auto collision, victims may be uncertain of how to proceed. Even after receiving immediate medical treatment, it can be difficult to process these types of events and effectively pursue the right course of action.
Unfortunately, injured victims can fall into several legal traps set by insurance companies or other adverse parties looking to minimize settlement amounts. Once you have sought appropriate medical care, the most important step to take after a traffic crash is to consult a dedicated legal advisor. An attorney at the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd. could help you avoid these common mistakes after a car accident in Elgin.
Speaking with Insurance Companies Without a Lawyer
It is important to remember that adverse insurance companies will look for any reason to deny car accident claims and minimize settlement amounts. These companies are experienced in assigning fault to avoid payments on behalf of their policy holder. Even if they seem kind, skilled claim representatives are not trying to be objective about the facts of a traffic wreck. These reps are looking for admissions to hurt and devalue a victim’s case.
Unfortunately, many Elgin residents make the mistake of speaking to insurance agents without legal representation after a car collision. At the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd., we advise injured victims against giving any recorded statements except to one’s own insurance company, which must honor attorney-client privilege.
Not Seeking Legal Help for Medical Payments
Beyond dealing with adverse insurance companies, an experienced attorney could also help with handling medical expenses. Although it may seem counterintuitive, our legal team advises that patients first submit their medical bills through their own health insurance policy, even for car crashes caused by other negligent parties.
A common misconception is that injured victims should wait for the insurance company of the at-fault party to pay for their bills, which they will not do without legal obligation. A well-practiced lawyer could first assist an injured victim in submitting their bills to their own health coverage to ensure that all expenses are paid for and do not get submitted for collection. Then, the attorney could pursue reimbursement from the adverse insurance company on behalf of the car accident victim. However, medical expenses become more difficult to manage the more time that passes after a car accident, so it is crucial that Elgin patients reach out to legal support as soon as possible.
Delayed Legal Investigations after a Car Crash in Elgin
In addition to handling medical expenses, a persistent attorney could also help with the time-sensitive process of investigating the facts of a traffic wreck. However, injured victims who wait to seek legal support risk losing important evidence from collision.
For example, video footage is often wiped from security cameras after a certain period of time, so it is important for a skilled lawyer to subpoena those files before they are erased. The legal team at the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd. is experienced in handling local car crash investigations, and we have the resources to canvass the site for signs of the collision. Additionally, our attorneys know how to look for various forms of evidence, including:
- Photo or video footage from nearby businesses or security cameras
- Physical evidence from the crash, such as skid marks
- Witness statements
However, working with local businesses and residents to procure evidence can be tricky, as bystanders are often unwilling to get involved in legal investigations. As such, it is important to contact a local attorney with the right interpersonal skillset as soon as possible. This way, injured victims can avoid the mistake of waiting too long to secure important evidence in a car accident case.
Work with an Elgin Attorney to Avoid Common Mistakes after a Car Accident
Many aspects of filing a car accident claim are time sensitive, such as issuing subpoenas for evidence or filing the lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires. If you were hurt in a recent traffic collision, reach out to a knowledgeable attorney right away to advise on effectively pursuing compensation for your injuries. Our legal team has years of experience helping victims avoid common mistakes after car accidents in Elgin. Call the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd. today to discuss your case.