What To Do And What Not To Do If You Have Been In A Car Accident
Your words and actions immediately following an accident are very important. Speaking with insurance companies can be complicated and nuanced. A lot of times, an individual will make a mistake early on dealing with an insurance company and require additional legal assistance to fix something that could have easily been avoided.
What to Do:
Inform your insurance carrier of the accident. If you need assistance speaking with your insurance carrier, the attorneys at Eighmie Law Firm, P.A. would be happy to advise you or handle the conversation for you.
Get treatment for injuries. Your health care provider and the medical evidence they provide is key in any auto accident case. Talk to your provider about any injuries you may have. Communicate to your doctor about the progression of your recovery. Make sure your physician knows how your injuries limit your ability to perform everyday tasks. Seek out additional care from a specialist if needed. If you disagree with your physician’s diagnoses, seek out a second opinion.
Document everything. From the time the accident occurs, throughout the recovery process, evidence is what helps win cases. Take photos of damaged vehicles, request medical records, continue your medical treatment so physicians will continue to document your condition.
What Not to Do:
Never admit fault. Admitting fault can prevent you from recovering anything for your injuries. Police, insurance companies, and the other parties involved in the accident will all attempt to find who is at fault. Admitting fault will hinder your ability to collect damages.
Never sign a settlement offer. Many times, the opposing side will attempt to coerce you into signing a settlement offer. This means you accept less than you could have received by taking the case to an attorney and it will very likely prevent you from taking the case to court in the future. Often, they will do this immediately after you have been injured, perhaps before you even know the full extent of your injuries. Only an experienced attorney fully understands the value of your case. You are entitled to more than just compensation for your medical bills. You can also receive money for pain and suffering, emotional distress, time lost from work, and more.
Don’t assume the accident is “no big deal”. Very often injuries that seem small can turn out to actually be much worse. It is important to see a doctor immediately after the accident to document any injuries you may have and to make sure you are not seriously injured. Many times a small fracture or minor tissue damage can go undetected and cause expensive complications further down the road.
If you have been injured in a car accident, do not attempt to represent yourself. The law can be complicated and you need attorneys that can understand it. The attorneys at the Eighmie Law Firm, P.A. have the experience it takes to help win your case. Contact our legal team for a consultation. We are dedicated to serving Port St. Lucie and will fight to defend your rights.
