Suffering a personal injury can be life-changing, physically, emotionally, and financially. What you do after the incident is crucial for ensuring your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve. Unfortunately, some people make mistakes that significantly affect the outcome of their personal injury claims. These are some common mistakes to avoid after suffering a personal injury in Florida.
Failing to Seek Immediate Medical Attention After Suffering a Personal Injury
The most critical step after sustaining a personal injury is to seek immediate medical attention. Even if the injury seems minor, a medical professional can identify issues that are not immediately obvious. Delaying medical care can not only worsen your injury but can also weaken your personal injury claim. Insurance companies may argue that your injuries are not serious or were not caused by the incident in question.
Failing to Report the Incident
In a personal injury case, particularly those that involve an auto accident or workplace injury, it’s essential to report the incident to the relevant authorities or your employer as soon as possible. A police or official incident report will be crucial evidence in your claim. Failure to report can lead to disputes over the occurrence and severity of the incident.
Admitting Fault
After an injury, emotions can be heightened, and apologizing or admitting fault might be tempting. But such statements can be used against you later. In Florida, which follows a comparative negligence rule, admitting fault can reduce the compensation you receive. It’s best to stick to the facts when discussing the incident with others.
Neglecting to Gather Evidence After Suffering a Personal Injury
Evidence is the backbone of any personal injury claim. Photographs or video of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage can be invaluable. Additionally, obtaining contact information from any witnesses and keeping detailed records of your medical treatment and expenses is crucial. Neglecting to gather and preserve this evidence can really weaken your case.
Speaking to Insurance Adjusters Without Legal Advice
Insurance adjusters may seem friendly and like they have your best interests in mind, but their primary goal is to minimize any payout from the insurance company. They may ask you to provide a recorded statement or sign a release form. Before you speak to anyone from an insurance company or agree to any settlements, it’s strongly recommended that you consult with a personal injury attorney who can guide you through the process and protect your rights and interests.
Settling Too Quickly
After an injury, financial stress and a desire to quickly resolve things and put the incident behind you can tempt you to accept the first settlement offer made. However, initial offers are typically much lower than what you may be entitled to. It’s essential to fully understand the extent of your injuries and any long-term impact they may have on your life before agreeing to a settlement. Consulting a personal injury lawyer can help you assess the adequacy of any offer you receive.
Not Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney
Navigating the complexities involved in a personal injury claim can be overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to recover from your injuries, some of which can impact your brain. An experienced personal injury attorney can provide invaluable assistance by handling the legal aspects of your case, negotiating with insurance companies, and representing you in court if necessary. Many personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case.
Not Seeking Follow-Up Medical Care
Once initial treatment is sought, following through with all the recommended medical care and attending follow-up appointments is crucial. Insurance companies and courts can interpret failure to do so as a sign that your injuries are not severe or have healed. Adhering to your medical plan not only aids your recovery but also strengthens your claim by providing a clear record of the impact the injury had on your life.
Contact a Florida Personal Injury Lawyer
If you have been involved in a personal injury incident, what you do next can decide the outcome of your claim.
Seeking legal advice is essential to protect your rights. Our legal team has more than 40 years of experience seeking justice for accident victims. Our attorneys have sought and won millions of dollars for our injured clients.
Call 850-601-1111 to schedule a complimentary consultation with no obligations. This consultation will help you explore your legal options. Let us help you fight for fair compensation.
Jaeson continued his studies at Florida State University College of Law, graduating with a Juris Doctorate in 2011. Throughout his law school career, Jaeson regularly volunteered his time at Florida Legal Services, where he assisted with several projects aimed at advancing the rights of low-income families in Florida. Jaeson has recovered millions of dollars from individuals for his clients. For his efforts, Jaeson was inducted in 2016 into the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. At the time of his induction, he was one of the youngest attorneys in the State of Florida to be inducted.
Loading...