5 Mistakes that Can Ruin Your Auto Accident Case in Orlando

An auto accident can alter the victim’s life in seconds. From mental shocks to treatment bills, physical pain to vehicle injuries, lost ability to work to lost income – the aftermath is hard to bear. Anyhow, life goes on, so does the struggle to live. 

When one sustains injuries and losses in an auto accident in Florida, the situation is stressful. On a hopeful note, the state of Florida entitles accident victims to fair compensation for the losses they suffer despite not being at fault. The unique auto insurance laws of Florida enable the victims to protect their personal injury rights under Florida Law. 

The accident scene is the place where the process of a personal injury claim begins. The victims are already injured. It’s indeed a vulnerable time for the victims. The sudden mental and physical shock and fast adrenaline rush can make the victim make some minor mistakes. However, the mistakes won’t remain minor in the long run, and these seemingly minor errors can jeopardize the compensation claim in its initial phase.  

One of such mistakes includes admitting fault.  Some may feel guilty after an accident, but vocalizing the mistake is what creates the loophole. In most cases, those who admit their fault in the very beginning are not at fault or are partially at fault. Experienced auto accident attorneys can prove the reality in time, but once they admit fault in public without even filing a claim, the complexity begins. 

Unfortunately, many auto crash victims often make these mistakes, which reduces the strength of their auto accident claim. Whether you have been in a minor fender-bender or a catastrophic collision, it’s vital to know what to do. But what’s more important is knowing what not to do. It saves your claim. It saves your life. 

In this blog, we will discuss five common mistakes that people usually make after an auto accident and how you can avoid them. 

Mistake 1

Not Calling the Police or Reporting the Accident 

An auto accident can be devastating. It can turn the victim’s world upside down in moments. Physical injuries, mental trauma, financial exhaustion, and other upcoming dangers and perils make the situation worse. 

Florida law requires individuals involved in accidents to report the incident initially. The accident may be fatal or not. According to Florida Statutes, Section 316.065, an auto accident must be reported to the police if it involves death, injuries, or property damage exceeding $500. Many auto drivers try to handle the matter privately to avoid insurance claims. 

This is a big mistake. 

• No police report means no legal evidence. 
• Without a report, you cannot prove the accident’s credibility.
• When you don’t have a police report, the other driver’s and your words may contradict.
• When you lack a police report, insurance companies often deny the claim. Even if they don’t deny, they minimize the claim only because you don’t have adequate official documentation. 

When you fail to make a police report, not only does it violate the state law, but you also miss the official record. The failure makes it easier for the other party’s driver or insurance company to negate your claim. 

What to do: 

• Call 911 immediately after an auto accident, regardless of the extent of the losses.
• Make sure that the attending officer prepares a detailed report, and you keep a copy of the records. 

An official auto crash report in Florida is a powerful tool to protect your rights. The police officer documents the scene, collects witness statements and testimonies, and notes down any instances of fault or traffic rule violations. 

Mistake 2 

Not Seeking Immediate Medical Attention 

Many crash victims leave the accident scene feeling they are ‘fine’. In the course, they develop severe symptoms in the long run. Not all injuries surface immediately. Physical injuries like concussions, soft tissue injuries, spinal injuries, internal bleeding, and many other damages remain latent in the initial phase. Seeking medical attention is needed for your health. 

How can it affect your auto accident claim? 

• Late treatment can make the injuries worse.
• Light injuries will typically heal on their own when treatment is delayed. On the other side, the internal injuries will deteriorate further. 
• Insurance companies may deny your insurance claim by stating that the injuries are not associated with the accident. 
• Due to delayed treatment, you may lose your rights to certain personal injury benefits. 

According to Florida Personal Injury Protection Law (PIP), an auto accident victim must seek medical assistance within 14 days of the accident. Otherwise, the victim may not qualify for PIP benefits. 

What to do? 

• Visit a doctor immediately after the accident, even when the injuries don’t seem too severe.
• It’s crucial to keep track of all diagnoses, treatments, and further appointments. 

When there is a delay in the treatment process, it can jeopardize the victim’s rights and power to claim medical compensation. The insurers may come up with a low-ball offer, as it becomes challenging for the victims to prove that the injuries are severe and directly related to the accident. 

Mistake 3

Admitting Fault or Saying Sorry to Others on the Accident Scene 

After being involved in an auto accident, you may encounter troubles on various levels. After an accident or mishap, it’s basic human psychology to apologize or say ‘sorry’. You may feel guilty about the accident. But when you make any comments on that in public, it adversely impacts your settlement amount. 

Why admitting your fault can affect your auto accident compensation claim?  

• Florida Law follows the comparative negligence system.
• Admitting fault in public can result in a lower compensation amount. 
• You don’t know about the other driver’s condition, whether distracted or intoxicated, and the share of liability in the accident. But when you admit your fault beforehand, it becomes a cakewalk for the other party’s insurance company to establish your liability in the accident.

It’s always advisable not to speak in public after the accident. As you seek apologies out of a sudden adrenaline rush and blast of emotions, it turns out to be a powerful weapon for the other party’s insurance company. Your words can work against you during the compensation claim and trial process. 

What to do? 

• Keep calm and speak less.
• Don’t discuss faults and liabilities.
• Collect evidence.
• Let the professionals do their job.
• Contact your auto accident attorney immediately. 

Unless and until you are sure about the liability, don’t take the blame on yourself. Don’t panic and stay calm. The at-fault parties or insurance adjusters can use your words against you in court. At Injury Assistance Law Firm, our auto accident attorneys fight for you with the best possible efforts and help you win the maximum settlement amount. Under the Contingency Fee structure, you don’t pay our attorney until we win the compensation for you. Get your free case consultation today. 

Mistake 4

Not Consulting an Auto Accident Attorney, Orlando

Many auto accident victims proceed to handle their accident compensation claims alone. Specific case scenarios include instances where the injuries appear to be minor or negligible, or when the driver of the other vehicle is visibly at fault. 

But this is not what should be done.

One must remember the law is a complex system. Even the simplest of cases are twisted to complicate the entire process. You are at risk when you don’t have solid legal support at your back. 

How can not hiring a lawyer ruin your compensation claim process? 

• You are not aware of the importance of timelines.
• You don’t know your claim’s worth; therefore, it becomes easier for insurance companies to convince you with a low-ball offer.
• You have to fight for your accident claim alone against the experienced insurance adjusters.
• Your lack of knowledge of any legal detail can put you at a disadvantage. 

Don’t try to deal with the matter alone. Chances are high that you will receive a lower compensation amount from the insurance adjuster. It’s important to consult your auto accident attorney at Injury Assistance Law Firm, who can explain to you all possible available options and guide you through the claim process with knowledge and experience. Get the free case evaluation and win the compensation you deserve. 

What do our auto accident attorneys do? 

• Investigate the case 
• Communicate with the police, doctors, and insurance adjuster.
• Collect evidence and proof to identify the at-fault party/s.
• Calculate the damages and determine the settlement worth. 
• Negotiate the settlement amount with the other party’s insurance company. 
• If not settled outside of court, take the case to trial. 

At Injury Assistance Law Firm, our expert auto accident lawyers do not prolong the process unnecessarily. Instead, they quickly proceed to the solution and bring a successful outcome to the accident victims. 

Mistake 5

Talking to the Insurance Adjusters Directly 

Remember, an insurance adjuster is not your friend. They approach you as a well-wisher, but their prime motto is to offer you minimal payouts that won’t actually cover your losses. Accident victims who directly communicate with insurance companies have all the documents with them. But what lacks is the professional assistance of a legal professional. 

The accident victims produce evidence, proof, and recorded statements, and receive quick settlements. They don’t even understand that the compensation amount they accept is way lower than what they deserve. 

How can it ruin your auto accident case? 

• You settle for a lesser settlement amount than your case is worth.
• Before the insurance adjuster, you may say something that further reduces the value of your case.
• You may ruin your right to pursue compensation further. 

Never talk to your insurance adjuster directly without your auto accident attorney by your side. In some instances, insurers attempt to contact accident victims and offer compensation readily. This indicates their intent to convince you with a low settlement offer before you contact an attorney. 

What’s the best solution to take? 

• Politely deny talking to the insurance companies even when they insist.
• Consult our auto accident lawyer at Injury Assistance Law Firm first. 
• Let your attorney deal with the communication and negotiation processes. 

Beginning to end, all you need is the assistance of an expert auto accident attorney. Connect with our expert team to navigate through the litigation process with confidence. You may have all the records and documents, yet you can’t proceed alone. You can’t communicate and negotiate like professional attorneys. Experience speaks. Certificate speaks.

Other Mistakes that Can Ruin Your Auto Accident Case 

Apart from the five big mistakes that can hamper an auto accident victim’s compensation claim, many. So many factors can negatively influence your claim process. Other mistakes include – 

• Saying that you are ‘fine’ or ‘not affected’ after the accident. 
• Chasing the driver in case the person flees. 
• Sharing the accident news on social media.
• Not taking pictures and videos. 
• Not taking note of eyewitnesses.
• Lack of communication. 
• Don’t say you don’t have an attorney.

Protect Your Personal Injury Rights with Our Auto Accident Attorney 

Dealing with the consequences of an auto accident case in Florida demands an understanding of Florida’s specific laws and regulations. Unfortunately, if you have been involved in an auto accident, you must avoid the common mistakes that can ruin your compensation claim. You need the assistance of an expert attorney to learn about it. It’s advised to consult a seasoned auto accident lawyer to increase your chances of winning the maximum settlement amount. 

Connect with our team of expert personal injury attorneys at Injury Assistance Law Firm today. Get a free consultation on your case after you have been in an auto accident. We put our years of experience and expertise to win the best compensation for you.