How To Start A Car Accident Personal Injury Claim In South Florida
First Steps In Preparing To File A Car Accident Claim
You may think the first thing to do after an accident is talk to your insurance company. But if the injuries and damages are severe enough, it is best to get an attorney on your side as soon as possible. The most important thing to know if you are thinking of filing an accident claim is to not talk to the insurance company or other parties about the accident or your injuries. The job of the insurance claims adjuster is to make sure that the insurance company pays only what is necessary and not a penny more. The claims adjustor is looking out for the best interests of the insurance company, not for you.
Continue Your Medical Treatment, Gather Information And Document Everything
Once you’ve sought medical attention and contacted the police, you may wonder what you should do next. After your initial medical treatment, it’s important to follow through on your doctor’s orders. If you don’t take prescribed medications, fail to go to follow-up appointments or skip rehabilitation exercises, that will be used against you and weaken your case. You should also try to gather any evidence you can as soon as possible after the accident. This includes getting a copy of the police report, finding the names of any witnesses and collecting pictures of the damaged vehicle and accident scene if possible. Documenting your injuries and how they are affecting your ability to work, care for dependents and overall quality of life is all essential to building a strong case.
Common Mistakes To Avoid After A Car Accident
Not Seeking Immediate Medical Attention
One of the most crucial steps after a car accident is to seek medical attention immediately. Even if you feel fine, some injuries might not manifest right away. Delaying medical care can not only worsen your injuries but also harm your personal injury claim. Insurance companies may argue that your injuries are not severe or were not caused by the if accident there is a gap in your medical treatment. Always get checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible.
Admitting Fault
In the aftermath of an accident, emotions can run high, and you might feel the urge to apologize or admit fault. However, admitting fault at the scene can significantly impact your claim. Liability should be determined through a thorough investigation, which includes police reports, witness statements, and evidence from the scene. Simply exchange information with the other driver and let the experts determine who is at fault.
Not Documenting The Scene
Failing to collect evidence immediately after the accident can weaken your case. If you are able, take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Gather contact information from any witnesses and obtain a copy of the police report. This documentation is invaluable when building a strong case for your personal injury claim.
Not Following Through On Medical Treatment
After your initial medical treatment, it’s essential to follow through on your doctor’s orders. This includes taking prescribed medications, attending follow-up appointments, and completing any recommended rehabilitation exercises. Failing to do so can be used against you by the insurance company, weakening your case by suggesting your injuries are not as severe as claimed.
Talking To The Insurance Company Without Legal Representation
The insurance company may contact you shortly after the accident to discuss your claim. It’s crucial to remember that their primary goal is to minimize their payout. Anything you say can be used against you. Before speaking with any insurance adjuster, consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who can guide you through the process and protect your interests.
Settling Too Quickly
Insurance companies often offer quick settlements to close the case before the full extent of your injuries and damages are known. While it may be tempting to accept an early offer, doing so can result in inadequate compensation. It’s important to wait until you have a complete understanding of your medical condition and financial losses. An experienced attorney can help you evaluate any settlement offers to ensure they fully cover your damages.
Why You Should Hire X1Law, P.A. in North Palm Beach
Dealing with doctors, insurance adjustors and the police can be a nightmare. You need someone who will look out for your best interests and fight for the compensation you deserve. Attorney Patrick Tighe, a top-rated attorney with an office in North Palm Beach, worked for 10 years as an adjuster for one of the largest insurance companies in the country. He has been included in the Super Lawyers list every year since 2017, highlighting his expertise and dedication.
Once you hire X1Law, P.A., the insurance company will only communicate with attorney Tighe. Pat works on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront or out-of-pocket fees, and you pay nothing unless you win a settlement.
Contact X1Law, P.A. Today For A Free Consultation
If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident and you are not sure about filing a claim, call us at 561-363-3947 to set up a free consultation where we can discuss the details of your accident. You can also reach us by sending a message through our online contact form. Serving people injured in car accidents in the West Palm Beach area and throughout South Florida.