7 Common Mistakes Made After a Car Accident

After a car accident, stress and shock can flood your system and cloud your judgment. In the tense moments immediately following the crash, it is easy to make hasty decisions and make mistakes that can hurt your case in the future. This is just one reason it is so important to contact a Tampa car accident attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help you avoid mistakes so your case is as strong as possible and you obtain the full settlement you deserve.

Not Contacting the Police

Under Florida law, you must report any accident to the police if it results in injury, death, or significant property damage. If you do not call the police after a crash, it is a violation of the law. It will also mean there is no official record of the accident, which can make it much harder when filing a claim.

Admitting Fault

Even apologizing that the crash occurred at all can be used against you, even if you did not intend it as an admission of fault. Do not accept blame for the crash, stick to the facts when talking to police, and let your lawyer and the insurance company determine who is at fault.

Postponing Medical Attention

Under Florida’s no-fault auto insurance laws, you have just 14 days after the accident to seek treatment if you want to file a claim for personal injury protection (PIP) benefits. If you do not seek your attention during this time, the insurance company may reduce or deny your claim for these benefits.

Not Seeking Medical Attention at All 

Medical records are the best way to prove the nature and extent of your injuries, and to connect them back to the crash. Both of these are very important to your claim. Without medical records, the insurance company will argue you were not hurt at all and may not pay any compensation.

Not Collecting Evidence

Failing to gather evidence of the crash can make it more difficult to prove how it occurred, who was at fault, and the total damages you deserve. Pictures of road signs, vehicle damage, skid marks, and weather conditions are important evidence that can make a difference in your claim. It is just as important to collect the names of witnesses and their contact information.

Speaking to Insurance Companies Before Contacting an Attorney 

Insurance adjusters will act as though they want to be helpful and do the right thing, but that is not usually the case. They do not work for you but instead, the insurance company. They are focused on reducing your total claim and protecting their profits. Always contact a lawyer first and they can speak to the insurance company on your behalf to ensure no mistakes are made.

Not Speaking to a Personal Injury Attorney in Tampa 

Perhaps the biggest mistake you could make when filing a personal injury claim is going through the process without a Tampa personal injury attorney. At Moore Law, our experienced attorney can provide the legal advice from the very beginning, collect the necessary evidence, and build the strong case you need to help you obtain a favorable outcome. Call us now at 813-510-5400 or chat with us online to schedule a consultation with our experienced attorney.

Source:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.066.html