• The mistakes I discuss in this video can absolutely kill your chances of getting the compensation you deserve after a car accident.  
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• Mistake #1 – Not seeking medical treatment after your accident
• I get it, sometimes you think, ‘Oh, it’s just some minor pain, I’ll be fine.’ But here’s the thing: even if you feel fine at the moment, injuries like whiplash or internal injuries don’t always show up right away and can get worse as time goes on.  
• Injuries like whiplash or backpain may also be worse than you think as you may actually have a bulging disc or herniated disc in your spine and you may not realize it.  
• And Waiting too long to get checked out can hurt your case later on, because insurance companies will jump on the fact that you didn’t get medical treatment soon after your accident, or that there was a gap in time of you getting medical treatment and use it to downplay the severity of your injuries.
• I always tell my client that if they have pain, they should get seen by a medical professional.  It’s the best thing to do for your health, but also for your injury claim.  You see, for your injury claim, getting medical treatment creates an important record of your injuries after the accident and medical records are crucial evidence in any injury claim.  
• Mistake #2 – Admitting fault at the scene
• Look, I get it—you might feel bad or want to be polite, but saying something like ‘I’m sorry, this is my fault’ is a huge mistake, especially in pure comparative negligence state like Kentucky, where I practice law in.
• You might be thinking you’re just being nice, but this is something insurance companies and lawyers can use against you down the line.”
• Even if you may be entirely at fault, there is no need to admit to fault at the scene.  There may not be facts about the accident you are not entirely aware of quite yet, like maybe the other driver was driving 20 miles per hour over the speed limit.  
• And in a state like Kentucky that has pure comparative negligence laws in effect, even if you are partially at fault, so long as you can show another driver was at least partially at fault as well, you can recover at least some of your damages.  
• Let the investigators and your lawyer figure out what really happened to cause your accident, but never say anything that can be used against you later.
• Instead, just exchange insurance information with the other driver, take pictures, and let the professionals handle the rest. It’s always better to stay quiet and protect yourself until the facts are clear.
• Mistake #3 – Settling Too Quickly With The Insurance Company
• You might get a call right after your accident from an insurance adjuster offering you a settlement, and it might sound tempting. Who doesn’t want a quick payout to cover medical bills, right?
• But here’s the thing: that first offer is almost always way lower than what you’re actually entitled to, and it may not account for long-term medical treatment or future pain and suffering. 
• Insurance companies are in the business of saving money, not paying out fair settlements.
• So, what should you do? Don’t accept the first offer!
• It’s usually best to wait until you are done treating or reached maximum medical improvement in most cases until you even begin settlement negotiations.
• In most cases you won’t even know the value of your claim until you are done treating or reached maximum improvement so there’s no sense of trying to settle until you have a much better idea of the value of your case.  
• If you are ever confused or lost as to what to do next in your injury case, remember, every single injury lawyer I know provides free consultations and also never takes a fee unless they win your case.  
• So it doesn’t hurt to consult with an injury lawyer in the state where your accident occurred to get a better idea of your legal options.  
• Now that you know the 3 huge mistakes people make after a car accident, you be wondering what are some tips that could help you negotiate with the insurance company after your car accident.  
• And if that sounds like you then you should definitely watch this video about to pop up right here where I provide 5 tips for negotiating with the insurance company after a car accident.    
• And for more helpful videos like this one you can subscribe to my channel right here.  
• Lastly, if you’ve been injured in Kentucky, remember to Don’t Wait, Call Tate.

 While Charles’ story is based on a true story, his real name is not being disclosed in order to protect his identity.

Disclaimer:

• This video is not legal advice.  Always speak with a lawyer for your particular situation.