Car accidents can cause thousands of dollars of damage, if not more, depending on the seriousness of the wreck. If you were involved in a bad collision, there are mistakes you absolutely should avoid committing. These mistakes can undermine your case and cause you to lose out on badly needed compensation. Below, we identify the most serious mistakes to avoid.
Avoid Admitting Fault for the Accident
Under Florida’s comparative fault rules, you will receive less compensation if your own negligence contributed to your injuries. For this reason, you shouldn’t say anything that a person could construe as an admission that you were careless. Avoid things like:
- “I wasn’t even looking in that direction!”
- “I couldn’t even see you!”
- “I’m so sorry this happened.”
Even if these statements have an innocent explanation, an insurer could nevertheless use them against you.
Don’t Forget to Call the Police
You should have the police come to the scene of the accident and write up a police report. This report is important to have when it comes to making a claim. The officer can interview those involved in the crash. Insurance companies want to see a police report, so ask for a copy or get the report number.
Avoid Giving a Recorded Statement to an Insurer
Soon after an accident, an insurer could contact you and ask to take a recorded statement. An insurer has no right to one, and you should refuse—at least until you hire an attorney. Often, the claims agent is looking for information they can use to reduce the value of your claim.
For example, one technique some agents use is to make a statement like, “Your back injury wasn’t too painful, right?” and hope you agree simply because you aren’t paying close enough attention. Let your personal injury attorney handle communications with insurance agents.
Don’t Delay Getting Medical Treatment within 14 Days
According to Fla. Stat. § 627.736, an accident victim must seek treatment from an appropriate medical provider within 14 days of the collision. If they don’t, then their insurer can deny them personal injury protection (PIP) benefits.
Contact a Miami Car Accident Attorney Today
This is one step you absolutely should take. An attorney at Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein can work aggressively to maximize the compensation you receive after a devastating car wreck. Please contact our firm today, 305-371-2692. One of our lawyers can meet with you for a free consultation.