How to Sidestep Common Mistakes That Could Undermine Your Settlement

How to Sidestep Common Mistakes That Could Undermine Your Settlement, updated 10/24/24, 2:58 AM

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Avoiding common mistakes after an accident is crucial for protecting your rights and maximizing your settlement. Discover key tips from top injury lawyers to help you navigate the process effectively.

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Benson & Bingham Accident Injury Lawyers, LLC is a top rated personal injury firm providing service throughout the state of Nevada.

Benson & Bingham Accident Injury Lawyers, LLC
626 S 10th St
Las Vegas, NV 89101
(702) 382-9797
https://www.bensonbingham.com

Summerlin Office
11441 Allerton Park Drive #100
Las Vegas, NV 89135
(702) 684-6900
https://www.bensonbingham.com/summerlin

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9230 S Eastern Ave #155
Las Vegas, NV 89123
(702) 463-2900
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Reno Office
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Reno, NV 89502
(775) 600-6000
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4530 S Carson St #4
Carson City, NV 89701
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How to Sidestep Common Mistakes That Could
Undermine Your Settlement
Essential Tips to Strengthen Your Case and Secure Fair
Compensation After an Accident
If you've been in a car accident in Las Vegas, adrenaline can cause you to overlook crucial
details needed for an insurance claim. A Las Vegas personal injury lawyer can guide you
through the correct steps to prevent your claim from being jeopardized.
Many people make common mistakes after an accident that can weaken their chances of
securing a fair settlement. Recognizing and avoiding these errors will safeguard your rights and
increase the likelihood of obtaining the compensation you deserve.
How Not Reporting to the Police Can Undermine Your Accident
Claim
Failing to call the police after an accident can seriously affect your ability to establish the facts
and make the insurance claims process more difficult. A police report provides an unbiased
record of key details like the time, location, the parties involved, witness statements, and the
officer’s observations. Without this documentation, it becomes far more difficult to present a
clear and reliable account of the incident, which can result in delays, closer investigation, or
even the rejection of your insurance claim.
Contacting the police guarantees that an impartial third party records the accident scene and
gathers evidence, safeguarding your interests with a clear, objective report that can be crucial
for your insurance claim.
Why Admitting Fault Can Lower Your Chances of a Fair
Settlement
A car accident lawyer in Las Vegas will advise you that admitting fault after a crash can
seriously hurt your chances of securing a fair settlement from insurance companies. Even if you
take partial responsibility, the other party’s insurer can use that against you to downplay or reject
your claim altogether. Insurance adjusters are skilled at using any admission of liability to lower
the amount they have to pay out.
Establishing fault is primarily the job of insurance companies and, if needed, the legal system.
Admitting fault right away may ignore critical factors like road conditions, mechanical failures, or
the actions of the other driver. Here’s what you should consider doing after an accident:
● Assess for any injuries
● Remain composed
● Relocate to a safe area
● Notify law enforcement
● Share your details
● Document the scene
● Keep discussions brief
● Stick to the facts, avoiding personal views
Why It’s Crucial to Get Medical Attention Right After an Accident
Right after an accident, adrenaline can obscure pain and signs of injuries, making you think
you’re fine. However, certain injuries, like whiplash, concussions, or internal damage, might not
become apparent until several hours or even days later.
Failing to pursue medical care can jeopardize your claim. Without timely medical records,
insurance companies might contend that your injuries are minor or unrelated to the accident.
This could lead to lower compensation or even a rejection of your claim. Medical documentation
acts as essential proof connecting your injuries to the accident, assisting your personal injury
attorney in Las Vegas in strengthening your case and ensuring you receive the compensation
you deserve.
Why Missing Crucial Evidence Can Undermine Your Insurance
Claim
Neglecting to collect evidence following an accident can significantly hinder your ability to file a
strong insurance claim and safeguard your rights. Without adequate proof, it becomes difficult to
establish key details of the incident, such as determining fault and assessing the full scope of
the damage.
The evidence you gather at the scene is typically the most dependable and can offer a detailed
account of the events. Make sure to collect the following:
● Photos & Videos: Document the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions,
traffic signals, and any visible injuries.
● Witness Testimonies: Collect contact details and statements from anyone who
witnessed the accident.
● Official Police Report: Ensure a report is filed by the police, as it serves as a formal,
impartial record of the event.

https://www.bensonbingham.com/las-vegas-car-accident-lawyer/

● Driver Details: Exchange names, addresses, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers,
and insurance information with the other parties.
● Accident Scene Sketch: Draw a diagram of the scene, noting vehicle positions and
relevant traffic signs or signals.
The Risks of Accepting Quick Settlement Offers from Insurance
Companies
Insurance companies frequently present early settlement offers shortly after an accident, often
before the full scope of injuries and damages has been fully assessed. It’s important not to
agree to any rapid settlements, even if you're feeling pressured by the insurer. Instead, get in
touch with a Las Vegas car accident attorney as soon as possible.
Agreeing to a quick settlement offer can come with several drawbacks:
● Underestimating Damages: Early settlement offers usually benefit the insurance
company by cutting costs. They often fail to cover the full extent of medical bills, property
repairs, lost income, or ongoing rehabilitation expenses.
● Forfeiting Future Claims: When you accept a settlement, you generally give up the
right to seek additional compensation for the same accident, even if new issues arise
down the road.
● Understanding Your Injuries: Some injuries may worsen over time or develop into
chronic conditions requiring ongoing treatment. Without sufficient compensation, you
could be left paying these costs on your own.
Speak with an experienced personal injury attorney in Las Vegas who can assess the fairness
of any settlement offers, advocate for you during negotiations, and make sure you receive
compensation that properly reflects the losses and difficulties you've faced as a result of the
accident.
How Professional Legal Support Can Enhance Your Chances of a
Fair Car Accident Settlement
Navigating personal injury law can be challenging, especially when dealing with the strategies
insurance companies employ to reduce their payouts. An experienced attorney can help ensure
that your case is carefully assessed, all damages are properly calculated, and your rights are
safeguarded throughout the negotiation process.

https://www.bensonbingham.com/summerlin

Benson & Bingham Accident Injury Lawyers, LLC
11441 Allerton Park Dr Ste. # 100
Las Vegas, NV 89135
Office: (702) 684-6900
Website: https://www.bensonbingham.com/summerlin