Be Alert For These Emotional Accident Responses
Few things can upset life like a car accident. Accidents always catch people by surprise, nobody is prepared to cope with physical injuries, and most are surprised at how accidents can disrupt their finances. Car accidents are difficult enough to deal with but the emotional response to them can create even greater problems. Read on to find out how your attitude can negatively affect how much you receive in monetary compensation from the at-fault driver.
You Are Impatient to Get Things Back to Normal Again
Healing from injuries, getting transportation issues straightened out, and getting back to work is what many accident victims cite as important milestones in getting back to normal. While this goal is laudable and only natural, the urge to make things right again may have negative consequences. The at-fault driver's insurer understands the need for normality too and that is why victims must watch out for and prevent damage to their claims. You don't have to speak to the insurance adjuster for the other side and you would be wise to seek legal help before you agree to a settlement. While it may seem like closure to you, later you may regret leaving so much money behind for a quick settlement.
You Feel Bad About the Accident and Sympathetic to the Other Driver
Nice people cause accidents too. Just be sure not to allow your sympathy to ruin your case. Never apologize to the other driver at the accident scene or at any time, even if they apologize to you. You should keep your emotions in check and stick to exchanging insurance information. Never admit guilt or your part in an accident to anyone at the scene or to medical personal. If you need to unburden yourself, speak only to your own personal injury attorney. If it turns out you were at fault or partially at fault, let your attorney deal with it.
You Try to Pretend the Accident Never Happened
Denial is a way of coping with traumatic events like a car accident. You must, however, take care of yourself and that means taking positive actions for your health and well-being as well as for your accident case. If you fail to seek medical treatment after an accident, you may be giving up your opportunity to be compensated for things like lost wages, pain and suffering, and medical expenses. Also, pay attention to your mental health needs too. Therapy for psychological trauma should be in the damage category of pain and suffering. Speak to your lawyer about your mental health needs and be sure to see a doctor even if you did not do so right after the accident.
Speak to a personal injury lawyer about your case as soon as possible.