1 – Failing to call the police

For a person who has never been in an Accident, it can be a stressful event and you may wonder, “Should I call the police?” The answer is always “yes!”  It is normal to feel a little uncomfortable about calling the police after a Car Accident, but it is necessary to document what happened and to make sure information is exchanged.  If, for example, the other driver gives you the wrong information or lacks insurance, you need to know right away so that the police can get involved in enforcing your rights.

2 – Failing to get medical treatment

There are no prizes for being tough.  Following an accident, if you feel pain or numbness anywhere, you should get checked out to make sure there’s nothing wrong.  It’s also important because it creates a medical record that documents how you felt at that time.  After an accident, may people feel more extreme symptoms in the following days.    Don’t hesitate to get checked out.  It could be critical to catching any big problems down the road.

We have had clients who don’t get medical treatment.  There are many reasons: too busy, too expensive, it’s not that bad.  It is critical to your health and wellbeing that you get checked out.  If you’ve been hurt due to the negligence of someone else, don’t let cost get in the way.  Florida has personal injury protection coverage as a mandatory provision in insurance coverage so that will help you with medical bills.

3 – Being too polite

Never, ever, apologize if you did not cause an accident.  Keep your comments and interactions with the other driver limited simply to, “Are you alright?” and the exchange of insurance information.  Do not make any statements that could be construed to mean that you acknowledge being the cause of the collision.

4 – Social Media Pictures: Appearances can be deceiving

Be very careful what you post online.  If you get in a car accident, it’s best not to post anything at all.  If you really want to let family and friends know, it’s advisable to keep it short and simple.  Don’t put too much information on the internet about what happened.

After a car accident, it’s always important to be aware of how things may appear to someone who does not know you.  For example, if you sustained a back injury, do not post pictures of you mimicking the performance extreme sports (or many other strenuous activities) because it will look like you could be faking your injuries.

5 – Ignoring the claims adjuster

The claims adjuster is not necessarily your friend but she is also not your enemy.  Do not ignore the claims adjuster.  Simply tell her that you’re contacting an attorney and get the claim number and her contact information.

6 – Giving a recorded statement

Do not give a recorded statement.  Your attorney will know what to do in a situation and advise you through the process as to how to deal with an insurance adjuster and whether giving a recorded statement is advisable.

7 – Settling the case yourself

Settling your case by yourself is a lot like performing surgery on yourself.  It might be successful but something will inevitably go wrong.  The insurance adjuster is going to try to give you less than you deserve and there may be outstanding issues with folks (i.e. Medicare, child support , and other liens) that will demand a portion of your settlement.  It is best to have an attorney representing your interests to keep a lookout for these kind of landmines.

8 – Lawsuit settlement lenders

There are businesses who will lend you money, at extremely high interest rates, on the basis that you’ll pay them back when you settle your case.  There’s an old saying, “a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.”  Sometimes, these kind of loans can be a necessary evil but mostly they are avoidable.

 9 – Failing to document your injuries and damages

Take pictures of property damage and injuries.  Documenting your injuries is a necessary and critical part of the process to ensure that you get the damages that you deserve.

10 – Failing to call an attorney

It just takes one phone call, text, email to contact an attorney.  Seize the opportunity to get professional legal advice on what to do next after a car accident.

For questions related to your auto accident, contact the compassionate attorneys at the Coleman Law Group, Where Passion Meets Power.

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