Mistakes To Avoid In a Car Accident Case

If you don’t know what mistakes to avoid in a car accident case, you risk your ability to recover damages that you may deserve. No matter how much you are entitled to receive, if you make errors that jeopardize your legal rights, you could end up without any compensation for your injuries.

There were 401,496 car accidents in Florida in 2021. Every driver should be aware of what to do – and what not to do – after a wreck.

The knowledgeable car accident attorneys at Colling Gilbert Wright have extensive experience in a wide range of accident and injury cases. We can ensure that mistakes are avoided in every step of your legal process and fight for the maximum compensation to which you may be entitled under Florida law.

5 Mistakes To Avoid In a Car Accident Case in Florida

Fortunately, most mistakes are relatively easy to avoid—as long as you know what you need to know. With this in mind, here are five all-too-common mistakes to avoid in a car accident case: 

Mistake #1: Ignoring Your Medical Needs

One of the biggest mistakes to avoid in a car accident case is ignoring your medical needs. If you ignore your injuries, they could get worse, and the insurance companies could blame you (and hold you financially responsible) for incurring unnecessary medical expenses. 

What To Do Instead: Instead of ignoring your medical needs, you should see a doctor as soon after your car accident as possible. Tell your doctor what happened, explain all of your symptoms, and make sure you have a clear understanding of your doctor’s diagnosis and treatment recommendations. 

Mistake #2: Failing to Preserve Evidence

When you have a car accident case, the more evidence you can preserve, the better. If you fail to preserve necessary evidence, your lawyer may not be able to establish liability or prove how much you are entitled to recover. Failing to take photos, failing to keep your medical records, and failing to document your lost earnings are all mistakes you should avoid if possible. 

What To Do Instead: Instead of failing to preserve evidence, err on the side of caution. Keep everything that you think might possibly be relevant to your car accident case. Take lots of photos and videos, take detailed notes, and keep copies of everything you receive from your healthcare providers and your employer. 

Mistake #3: Waiting to File an Insurance Claim

It is best to file your insurance claim promptly after your car accident. If you wait to file a claim, this will increase the risk of the insurance companies alleging that they don’t have the information they need to make an accurate coverage determination. In any case, waiting to file a claim will delay your financial recovery, and it will create unnecessary issues that you can (and should) avoid by filing promptly. 

What To Do Instead: Instead of waiting to file an insurance claim, you should contact your insurer right away. But, when you do, be careful to only provide the information that is required. Any unnecessary information you provide will only be used against you. Do not make any assumptions, and do not be afraid to say, “I don’t know.”

Mistake #4: Trusting the Insurance Company

One of the most common mistakes to avoid in a car accident case is trusting the insurance company to put your best interests first. When you have an insurance claim after a car accident, you cannot trust your insurance company to pay the compensation you deserve. Even when it comes to obtaining “no-fault” personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, accident victims often need to fight to secure payment. When filing a fault-based insurance claim, the challenges are even greater. 

What To Do Instead: Instead of trusting your insurance company, you should rely on an experienced car accident lawyer to advise you. Unlike your insurance company, your lawyer will have your best interests in mind, and your lawyer will be focused on maximizing your financial recovery. 

Mistake #5: Settling Before Calculating Your Losses

While settling your car accident case allows you to move on with your life, you need to be very careful to avoid settling for too little. Once you accept a settlement check, your case is over—you don’t get a second chance. If you accept a check before calculating your long-term financial and non-financial losses, you will almost certainly leave a substantial amount of money on the table. 

What To Do Instead: Instead of settling before calculating your losses, you should work with your lawyer to determine what constitutes a fair settlement in your case. Based on your lawyer’s experience and the insights of medical specialists and other experts, your lawyer will be able to accurately assess the value of your long-term medical needs, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other losses.

Speak with an Orlando Car Accident Lawyer for FREE 

If you were hurt in a wreck, it is crucial to know what mistakes to avoid in a car accident case. An Orlando car accident lawyer at Colling Gilbert Wright can help you avoid common errors and pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.

To speak with an experienced car accident lawyer today, call (800) 766-1000 or tell us how we can reach you online now.