In the aftermath of a car wreck, many people make the mistake of thinking that they will be fairly compensated for the wreck from the at-fault driver. You must consider that insurance companies, even your own, are not out for your best interests. Only you and your personal injury attorney can evaluate the situation and set the most effective course of action toward your rightful money damages. During the post-accident period, it pays to be aware of common mistakes and how to avoid them. Read on to learn more.

1. You know the other driver is at fault so that you will be getting paid very soon.

All insurance companies exist to make money, not to help accident victims. You may have been paying premiums for years based on trust that you will be made whole after you get hit by someone else, but the carriers don't see it that way. You must stay alert to problems areas like:

• Agreeing to give a recorded statement
• Accepting the first offer the carrier dangles at you
• Assuming that you will be compensated for pain and suffering and lost wages

2. The driver that hit you was so upset that you could not help but feel sympathy for their predicament.

All parties involved in a car wreck can feel shock, fear, and regret, but don't allow your emotions to spoil your chances of getting a good settlement. Be extremely careful about what you say to anyone about the accident, whether it be the other driver, medical personnel or on social media. For example:

• Don't assure the other driver that you are not that badly hurt or that you may have been speeding at the time of the accident.
• Don't reassure your friends on social media that the wreck was "no big deal" and that everything is great with you.

3. The responding officer assigned fault using the accident report, so you can relax and wait for the check.

While the accident or police report will likely contain a lot of valuable and interesting information, it would be a big mistake to court on that officer's opinion as to the cause of the wreck or who is at fault. These reports usually give a preliminary take on the wreck, and that makes them non-admissible in court. No matter what the report says, seek help from a lawyer before you give up on the case or relax your guard.

To learn more, contact your local personal injury attorney services.