Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Accident
Being involved in a car accident can turn yourself upside down in an instant. The aftermath is often overwhelming, with physical injuries, emotional stress, and financial strain piling up all at once. Having worked with injured clients for over 25 years, I’ve seen how crucial it is to avoid common mistakes that could weaken your car accident claim and cost you the compensation you deserve.
If you’ve been in a car accident, here are the key missteps to watch out for – and how our team at Gold, Khourey & Turak can help.
Mistake #1: Settling Too Early
One of the biggest mistakes people make after a car accident is accepting the first settlement offer from the insurance company. These initial offers are often low-ball amounts designed to minimize an insurance company’s payout. Settling too early, before you fully understand the extent of your injuries and long-term needs, can leave you without the resources to cover future medical expenses, therapy, or lost wages.
At Gold, Khourey & Turak, we advise our clients to wait until they have a clear picture of their recovery before accepting any settlement. We understand that waiting can be difficult, but our goal is to ensure you’re compensated not just for today’s cost, but also for what you’ll need down the road. We’ll negotiate aggressively with insurance companies to get you the full compensation you deserve – even if it means taking your case to trial.
Mistake #2: Not Documenting Your Injuries
Failing to document your injuries is one of the easiest ways to weaken your claim. Without proper documentation, it becomes much harder to prove the severity of your injuries and their impact on your daily life. Photos, medical records, and detailed notes about your recovery are essential to building a strong case.
With nearly 50 years of experience, we know exactly what evidence is needed to support your claim. From guiding you on taking photos of your injuries to ensuring your medical records, lost wages, and accident reports are complete, we’ll help you build a solid case. Our team will work with you to show how your injuries have affected your physical, emotional, and financial well-being.
Mistake #3: Talking to Insurance Companies Without Legal Counsel
Insurance adjusters may seem friendly, but their goal is to protect the other driver and their insurance company’s bottom line – not help you. Providing a recorded statement or signing paperwork without legal advice can potentially give the insurance company a reason to deny or devalue your claim.
At GKT, we take over all the communication with the insurance companies, so you don’t have to worry about saying the wrong thing. We’ll handle every interaction, ensuring your rights are protected from the start. If the insurance company offers you a settlement, we’ll review it thoroughly to make sure it’s fair – and we’ll fight back if it’s not.
Mistake #4: Waiting Too Long to Seek Legal Representation
Time is not on your side after a car accident. Waiting too long to consult with an attorney can result in lost evidence, forgotten details, and missed deadlines. Every state has a statute of limitations that sets a deadline for filing a claim, and once that time passes, you lose your right to seek compensation.
The sooner we start working on your case, the stronger it will be. At GKT, we’ll move quickly to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build a compelling claim. By acting promptly, we ensure your case meets all legal requirements and that no opportunities for compensation are missed.
Mistake #5: Overlooking Long-Term Impacts
A car accident isn’t just about immediate injuries – it’s about the long-term effects, too. Chronic pain, ongoing medical treatments, and permanent disabilities can impact your quality of life and ability to work. Prematurely settling a claim without considering these factors could leave you financially strained in the future.
At GKT, we work with medical experts, life care planners, and vocational specialists to evaluate the full impact of your injuries. We’ll make sure your claim accounts for future medical expenses, lost wages, and diminished quality of life, ensuring you’re set up for long-term recovery and stability.
Mistake #6: Not Hiring an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer
Handling a car accident injury case on your own or hiring an inexperienced lawyer can lead to costly errors. Personal injury law is complex, and without the right guidance, you risk settling for less than you deserve – or losing your case entirely.
For nearly 50 years, Gold, Khourey & Turak has been a trusted lawyer for clients injured in car accidents. With extensive experience in personal injury law, we know how to navigate the system, negotiate effectively, and secure the best possible outcome for you. From the moment you reach out, our team is committed to protecting your rights and fighting for your future.
Get the Help You Need Today
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, don’t navigate the aftermath alone. Contact Gold, Khourey & Turak today for a free consultation. Let our team help you avoid common mistakes, protect your rights, and secure the compensation you deserve. Call us anytime at (304) 845-9750 or visit our contact page to get in touch with us.
