5 Mistakes You Should Not Do When In A Florida Car Accident
Corbin Sutter
Traffic Accidents
People tend to commit mistakes when they are panicking, and this is especially true when a car accident happens. Some would react strongly while others would downplay the situation in an attempt to stay calm and clear-headed. Nevertheless, rash decisions with poor results often happen and you would, later on, regret your choices once you found yourself on the losing end of the case.Remember these five common mistakes to prevent them from happening.
• Agreeing On A Settlement On The Spot - It is not surprising for the at-fault driver to offer a settlement especially when the accident caused big damages. Agreeing on a settlement would mean forfeiting your chance to file a case or claim, and get compensation. If you agree on a settlement on the spot without proper evaluation, you might be getting far much less than what you are entitled to. The money you would get from the settlement might not even be enough to cover all your treatment expenses or car repairs. Never agree on a settlement on the spot without professional counsel.
• Instigating A Fight - When people are emotional, they can let their anger and frustration out by lashing out. No matter what happens, you have to keep your cool and avoid getting into a fight even if the other driver is provoking you. Disagreements on who is at fault can also start a fight so it would be best to avoid direct confrontation. Wait for the authorities and prioritize your wounds instead of engaging the other party. In addition, getting into a fight will have its own repercussions that could affect your case.
• Not Calling A Lawyer Immediately - Do not wait for things to get worse before calling your personal injury attorney. After understanding the possible consequences of dealing with the other party on your own, you should let your lawyer handle the rest of the case. Not only can they negotiate on your behalf, but they can also help you avoid falling into traps, false testimonies, and being low-balled by insurance providers. Most importantly, your lawyer can help you win your lawsuit so you could be compensated for all the damages.
• Downplaying Your Injuries - There is no need to act like the tough guy in a car accident. When the rescue team arrives, disclose all your wounds, injuries, and what you are feeling such as lightheadedness and nausea. This way, you will be able to receive proper treatment and have most of your medical expenses covered by your insurance provider. In addition, your hospital records can also be used as evidence when demanding compensation or bargaining a settlement.
• Not Taking Any Evidence - As much as possible, you would want to have proof of the scene and what happened before they are tampered with by outside elements. Take photos and videos, and look for CCTV footage from traffic cameras. These will help with the investigation and prove your innocence. Any false claims can also be easily countered by your evidence.
The attorneys at All Injuries Law Firm have been winning compensation for injured auto accident clients across SW Florida for over 40 years. If you or someone you know has been hurt in a serious car accident contact All Injuries Law Firm today at (941) 625-4878 for your free Attorney Consultation.