Common Mistakes Accident Victims Make after a Personal Injury

Accidents happen all the time, but when another’s negligence causes your injuries, you have the right to seek compensation. However, there are many mistakes accident victims often make which can delay or even end the settlement process. Other errors may lead to an insurance company denying or reducing your claim or a judge dismissing your case. Mistakes that seem minor at first can often have serious consequences later.

At the Baker Legal Team, we have successfully handled personal injury cases and know the most common mistakes accident victims make. Our attorneys are here to protect you during this difficult time.

Delaying Medical Treatment May Be Costly

One of the most common mistakes accident victims make is not seeking medical care right away. As soon as you can, speak to a doctor. Even if you display no signs of external injuries, you might be suffering from internal damage only a doctor can diagnose. Additionally, your body will be producing more amounts of adrenaline than usual, suppressing any pain. Once adrenaline levels return to normal, you might begin to feel pain and discomfort.

Going to the doctor may also help your claim. Without evidence, an insurance company will most likely question whether you sustained an injury. Waiting to seek medical care allows an insurer to question if your injuries are from another accident. Finally, an insurance company may interpret not seeking medical treatment as your injuries not being as severe as you claim.

Failing to Gather Evidence of the Accident

Regardless of what type of accident it was, you want to gather as much evidence as possible. Taking cell phone photos is one of the best ways to preserve evidence. For example, if you were in a car crash, photograph the vehicles from every angle, and make sure the pictures show any dents, scratches, and other physical damage. Photographing road signs, potholes, uneven pavement, and weather conditions may also be beneficial.

In addition to taking photos, you will want to speak to any witnesses. They may have seen the at-fault driver texting or otherwise driving recklessly, which might help your case. Before they leave the accident scene, ensure you have their name, phone number, address, and email. Your attorney may have to call them to testify, so you will need a way to contact them.

Accidentally Sabotaging Your Claim

Besides exchanging information with the other party and informing the police about the accident, you should only talk about your injury claim with an attorney. Even if you think you are partly responsible for the accident, do not admit that to anyone at the accident scene. Your lawyer can share that information at the proper time, if necessary.

Do not speak to an insurance representative until after you have hired a Florida personal injury attorney. Once you hire an attorney, you can even refer insurance representatives to speak with them. Insurers employ sneaky tactics to reduce or deny your claim. Even saying “I’m fine” when they ask how you are doing can cost you thousands of dollars.

Withholding Information from Your Attorney or Doctor

Never withhold information from your attorney or doctor regarding your accident or injuries. Both parties need to know the truth. It is your attorney’s job to present the facts as strongly as possible in your favor. They are on your side, and you must be honest with them to best present your case.

Similarly, a doctor wants you to recover. Not telling them the truth may result in a misdiagnosis of your injuries.

Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney Today

Personal injury accidents can be minor, taking only a few days to recover fully. Conversely, some accidents can completely upend a victim’s life. At the Baker Legal Team, we know how devastating it can be when you or a loved one suffers injuries because of another person’s negligence.

No matter how severe the accident was, it is vital to contact a Board Certified personal injury attorney as soon as possible. We will evaluate your claim, answer all your questions, and inform you of your options moving forward. Call (561) 320-0000 or complete our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.