What are 5 Common Mistakes to Avoid in Auto Accident Cases?

You don't necessarily have to file your claim through your insurance company, but you should let them know you've been in an accident as soon as you can. There are a variety of reasons for this, including that the responsible party in the accident doesn't have enough coverage to give you a just settlement.

1. Not Contacting Your Own Insurance Company

2. Giving a Statement to an Adjuster Prior to Speaking with Counsel

Insurance adjusters are not your representatives. It is their job to try to pay as little as possible on behalf of the insurance company for each claim. Without speaking to counsel first, you might leave out pertinent information or mischaracterize something that could hurt your claim.

If you've been injured at all in an auto accident, you should at least get a medical evaluation so that your ailments can be documented in a medical report. If you think your pain is not that bad, don't forego an exam, it could turn out to be much more serious later and failing to seek attention early can reflect poorly on your injury case.

3. Not Getting Medical Attention Immediately

4. Not Following Up on Treatment Orders

If you've been transported by ambulance to the hospital after an auto accident and the doctor prescribes you a treatment regiment, but you don't follow up on it, the gap in treatment can be used by an adjuster, defense counsel, judge, or jury to lessen the award you receive on your personal injury claim.

5. Not Consulting with an Attorney as Soon as Possible

Not every auto accident claim requires the use of an attorney. Claims that involve only personal property damage can probably be settled on your own. However, it doesn't hurt to consult with an attorney. You need to protect yourself in case injuries manifest later. We offer free auto accident consultations and we'll help you find the right attorney even if we can't take your case.

Areas Served in Florida

Will it Impact My Auto Accident Injury Case If I Do Not Immediately Seek Treatment?

5 Biggest Mistakes to Avoid in Florida Auto Accident Cases

If An Injury Does Not Manifest Until Later, What Are My Options for Filing an Injury Claim?

If you have immediately apparent injuries or injuries that manifest later due to the auto accident, then not seeking immediate medical attention will most likely impact your case negatively.

A common occurrence is when a victim of an auto accident has a whiplash neck injury or back injury, but they feel fine after the accident. Instead of taking the ambulance to the hospital, they get a ride home. Later on, however, the pain manifests. It could be that night, or days later.

Once the adrenaline from the accident wears off and your body starts to feel pain, you might realize you have a claim for auto accident damages in Florida. It is important to seek medical attention as soon as pain manifests if you haven't already been treated.

When seeking medical attention, it is important to tell your doctor that you have been injured in an auto accident and that the accident is listed as a cause of the pain. Medical providers and insurance companies use specific coding when treating injuries and auto accident victims tend to receive similar types of care.

So if you have sustained a back injury, neck injury, or other type of injury in an auto accident, it is important that the physician notes that in your medical records.