What Not To Do After A Car Accident
After getting into a car accident, you will likely be frazzled. You will want to make sure that you take the proper actions afterwards to ensure that you receive proper compensation for your injuries and any property damage. The following article will provide a list of 10 things you should never do after you are injured in a car accident.
- Never underestimate your injuries. Many car accident victims tend to underestimate the extent of their injuries and as a result, fail to seek proper medical care. Doing this can be harmful both to your health and your case. As such, you should always let first responders know about whatever symptoms you may be feeling, regardless of how minor these symptoms may seem to you. Many injuries don’t seem severe at first, especially when you’re in shock. However, that initial pain could turn out to be something much more serious.
- Never wait too long to act. Florida Statute § 95.11(3)(a) requires a plaintiff to bring a personal injury claim within 4 years of the date that the accident occurred. As such, if you wait too long to act on your claim, you will lose the chance to bring a personal injury lawsuit based on that claim.
- Never provide too much information to the insurance company. It is important to understand that insurance adjusters are not on your side, regardless of how friendly they may seem. Their job is to save the insurance company money; as such, they have to determine how to pay you less. Insurance adjusters know that accident victims are under a lot of stress and will likely be susceptible to their tactics. As such, you may be tempted to accept a much smaller settlement than you deserve. Make sure that you do not give any insurance company representative details they don’t need, that you do not admit fault, and that you do not provide a recorded statement.
- Never fail to call the police. Don’t allow the liable driver to talk you out of calling 911. Contacting the police is important to ensure that your injuries are properly addressed and that the details of the accident are on the record.
- Never admit personal fault. After a car crash, you’ll talk to a lot of people: the police, the other driver, witnesses, and your insurance company. If you rush to apologize for the accident because you think you may have made a minor error that contributed to the crash, and an investigation later reveals a much bigger error on the part of the other driver, your admission of fault can make it harder to get the money that you would otherwise be entitled to.
- Never neglect to gather evidence. After a car crash, there can be a lot going on, and the accident scene can disperse before you know it. Make sure that you obtain evidence at the scene, such as the other driver’s contact and insurance info, pictures of the scene, and statements from potential witnesses.
- Never agree to a quick settlement. A quick settlement may seem tempting. However, you shouldn’t accept the first settlement offer provided, because once you accept a settlement offer, you cannot reopen your case. It is best to consult a personal injury attorney regarding any settlement offers.
- Never sign anything from the insurance company. You should always make sure that you talk to an attorney before you sign any forms from any insurance company. Otherwise, you could end up signing away your legal rights. The documents the insurer asks you to sign are legally binding contracts, and if you sign without fully understanding the terms of the agreement, you might still have to abide by those terms. Instead, it is important to have an experienced personal injury lawyer attorney review all paperwork before you sign it.
- Never talk about your claim on social media. Any information you choose to share on social media could be helping insurance companies build a case against you. This is because insurance adjusters regularly use social media to spy on claimants. They specifically look for updates and photographs that contradict your claims that you are dealing with a serious injury.
- Never handle a car accident claim on your own. Though it is not required, it is recommended that you hire an experienced personal injury attorney to help you navigate the personal injury claims process.
Were You Recently Injured in a Car Accident? Speak to a Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Attorney
If you were recently injured in a car accident and you are having issues getting compensation from the liable driver, please contact Pita Weber Del Prado. Our Miami car accident lawyers are prepared to assist you today.
Source:
flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2012/95.11
