Common Mistakes To Avoid After A Car Accident
Corbin Sutter
Traffic Accidents
Getting in a car crash can lead to injuries and damages. Since Florida is a no-fault state, every driver has to have car insurance. Because of this, you are entitled to file claims to cover expenses incurred from the accident.Depending on the type of insurance coverage, you can file claims for medical expenses and even vehicular damages. However, getting that benefit may not be as simple as one may think. In fact, a lot of people do not get the right amount of compensation. In some cases, that is due to some mistakes they have made after the accident.
Here are some of the most common and biggest mistakes that drivers make after a car accident:
Not Reporting It to The Police
One of the biggest mistakes you can do after a car crash is to agree not to call law enforcement. The other driver may suggest that. Some people agree because they are pressed for time or are on their way to somewhere important like work.
Calling the police is a necessary step after a crash, even if it is a minor one, as they will be the ones to conduct an investigation. They will gather statements from both parties and other witnesses.
They will also check if the drivers have valid licenses and auto insurance policies.
Additionally, they can test if any of the involved parties are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The results of the investigation will be in a detailed police report. Your car crash lawyer will be needing this document to build a case for you.
Not Going to the Hospital
An ambulance will arrive at the accident scene to attend to injured or hurt parties. Those that require medical attention will be transported to a hospital.
Some people may feel fine after an accident. So, they may consider not going to a hospital anymore. That is a mistake you should never do.
In some cases, someone who thinks they do not have any injury may wake up the next day in terrible pain. There are two reasons why you should go to the hospital right after the accident.
First, you need to make sure you do not have any injuries, both external and internal. A doctor can check that. If you do have injuries, the doctor will make sure they do not become worse.
Second, a medical report will serve as a supporting document to prove that you have suffered from injuries due to the accident. Your lawyer will use it to prove your claims.
Not Working with a Car Crash Lawyer Immediately
Some people may think they can handle the case on their own. What they fail to understand is that there is an appropriate process one should follow. In case of a lawsuit, you also need to remember that Florida has a statute of limitations for filing car accident lawsuits. You should be able to file a case within four years. Missing the deadline will lead to the revocation of your right to sue the other driver.
There is also a chance that your insurer will dismiss your claim, and you may end up with nothing. Another scenario is the insurance company will give you less than what you should be getting.
So, if you get involved in a car crash, it is best to consult an auto accident lawyer to know what steps you should be taking to get positive results.