Several common mistakes can seriously harm your car accident claim in Nashville, TN, such as admitting fault, delaying medical care, posting about the crash on social media, and failing to call an attorney. Each of these errors can give insurance companies a reason to deny or reduce your compensation.
Learning about how these mistakes happen and how to avoid them can make a major difference in the outcome of your case.
Admitting Fault or Apologizing
Many people instinctively say “I’m sorry,” after getting into an accident, even when they didn’t cause the crash. However, this simple statement can be used against you. Since Tennessee follows a modified comparative negligence law, your compensation can be reduced if you are found partly responsible for the accident.
For example, if you’re found 20% at fault, your settlement or verdict could be cut by 20%. If you are 50% or more at fault, you lose your right to recover damages entirely.
Failing To Seek Prompt Medical Attention
One of the biggest mistakes accident victims make is not seeing a doctor immediately after the collision. Some kinds of injuries may take time for symptoms to appear.
Delaying medical treatment allows the insurance company to argue that your injuries weren’t caused by the accident. Seeing a doctor right away ensures you receive proper care and creates medical records that serve as valuable evidence for your claim.
Not Contacting the Police
Under Tennessee law (Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-106), you must report any crash involving injury, death, or property damage over $50. The responding officer will complete an official accident report, which is crucial for proving what happened.
Posting on Social Media
Insurance adjusters often check social media profiles to find evidence that can weaken your case. A single post or photo can be taken out of context and used to suggest that you aren’t really injured.
Handling Your Insurance Claim Alone
Insurance companies want to make a profit, not pay you what you’re actually entitled to under state law. Without legal guidance, you may accept a settlement far lower than what your injuries truly warrant. An experienced Tennessee car accident lawyer can handle communications with the insurer on your behalf and work to maximize the value of your claim from there.
Further, most attorneys in this area of the law work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless your lawyer wins compensation for you.
Waiting Too Long To Take Legal Action
Tennessee has one of the shortest statutes of limitations in the country for personal injury cases at just one year from the date of the accident. There are exceptions, but only for certain circumstances. It’s best to get legal help as soon as possible to ensure you file your claim on time.
Contact a Tennessee Car Accident Lawyer for More Information
Woodard Injury Law has 19 years of experience and has recovered millions of dollars on behalf of accident victims in Tennessee. Call us today at (615) 314-4626 to schedule a free consultation and get started with your case.