Mistakes to avoid after a car accident

Mistakes to Avoid Making After a Car Accident - Florida Car Accident Lawyer

It can be stressful and scary when you are involved in a car accident. You might be in injured, hospitalized, worried about missing work, worried about your passengers or family members, anxious about the cost of the accident and dealing with the stress of the accident. In times like these, it is important to try to take a step back, assess the situation, and avoid making a mistake which will impact your car accident recovery. 

Mistakes to Avoid

There are several mistakes that you should avoid to ensure the opportunity to receive maximum compensation from the accident. 

The first mistake many people make is to not call the police. The police play a vital role in a case. They create an accident or crash report, and gather evidence, like the names and contact information of witnesses, the other driver’s insurance and contact information, and take photographs. Be sure to get a copy of the accident report or the report number and, if possible, the badge number of the officer who created the report. 

Next, under no circumstances should you admit guilt, whether it be to a friend, family member, or the officer. Your insurance company, and the insurance company of the other party, will do everything it can to settle for as little money as possible. Admitting guilt, even if you were not guilty, will lessen the chances of recovering. 

The third mistake that many people make is skipping the doctor. This is not a time to be a hero. You should not try to tough it out and make it seem like you are not hurt. If you avoid going to the doctor, your insurance company and other parties may doubt your claims. If you were injured on a Monday, but don’t go to the doctor until Thursday, the other party may try to prove that the injuries you sustained occurred on Tuesday or Wednesday, and that they shouldn’t have to pay. You should start an injury journal, noting your pain levels, physical effects, and activities you can no longer participate in. You should carefully follow the instructions of your doctor and medical providers.

The fourth mistake involves trusting the insurance company and settling too quickly. Even though they may try to convince you otherwise, insurance companies do not have your best interest at heart. They want to spend as little as possible and settle as quickly as possible. The sooner you settle, the sooner they can close your file. By waiting to settle, you can get a better understanding of your injuries and the treatment needed – physical therapy, doctor’s visits, surgery and anything else you need to properly heal from the accident. Then, the settlement offer from the insurance company will include monetary compensation that covers medical bills.

Navigating a car accident case can be complex, and it may be in your best interest to hire an attorney. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, TG Law can help get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at (561) 370-7360 for a free case evaluation.