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Car accidents are catastrophic events that can leave you disoriented and unsure of what to do next. Unfortunately, accident victims often make mistakes that jeopardize their ability to pursue fair compensation for their injuries and other losses. Even if you’re not sure you will need to pursue a claim, a Billings car accident attorney can provide you with valuable guidance and ensure that your rights are fully protected.
Ignoring Your Injuries
Thanks to airbags, seat belts, and other safety features, modern cars do an excellent job of keeping us safe in the event of an injury. While severe injuries may be less common than they were decades ago, accident victims can still suffer serious injuries that are less obvious. You should get a thorough medical examination if you are experiencing any symptoms at all, including pain, stiffness, headaches, loss of sensation, or loss of range of motion. The longer you wait, the more likely the insurance company will try to argue that your symptoms are unrelated to your accident and therefore not covered. Listen to your body and go see a doctor. If you are diagnosed with an injury, you should then speak with a Billings car accident attorney to discuss your options.
Admitting Fault
Immediately following an accident, many people will accept blame for an accident even if they aren’t completely sure what happened or don’t know who is at fault. This is a critical mistake. When talking to the other driver or the insurance company, do not discuss who was at fault in the accident, even if you think you may be partially at fault. Whatever you say to the other driver or the insurance company could later be used against you. This is one of the reasons why you should talk to a Billings car accident attorney as soon as possible – they can handle these communications on your behalf and make sure that you do not admit liability.
Settling Your Claim Too Quickly
You may be surprised at how quickly the insurance company attempts to settle your claim. In some cases, they may offer a cash settlement within days of your accident. While this may be attractive, you should be aware that it comes with strings attached – they will want you to sign a legally binding agreement that releases them from any future claims. As a result, you will not be able to pursue any additional compensation even if your injuries are more serious than you originally thought. Before signing accepting any settlement, you should consider meeting with an experienced Billings car accident attorney. They can review the settlement offer and provide you with guidance as to whether you should accept it or wait.
Injured in a Car Accident? Contact Billings Car Accident Attorney Jim Ragain
The days following your accident can be critical to the success of your claim. Billings car accident attorney Jim Ragain has decades of experience helping people get fair compensation and he can help you avoid the pitfalls that can jeopardize your case. If you have been injured in a car accident, call us today at 406-651-8888 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case. We also have an office location in Cody, WY.and Montana.
