The moments immediately following a wreck are often disorienting. Unfortunately, they can also be critical to the success of a legal claim for damages. If you want to preserve your best chance of getting fair compensation, learn the mistakes to avoid after an Orlando car accident.
Our car crash attorneys at Colling Gilbert Wright—The Florida Firm—have a well-deserved reputation for successfully handling complex car accident claims. We are the firm other lawyers turn to when they or their family members need representation in an injury case. The following is our best advice about what not to do after a wreck.
Talking and Posting Too Much
One of the biggest mistakes people make after a car accident is also one of the hardest to avoid—talking about what happened. It is natural to want to discuss the crash, but anything you say or do in the aftermath of a wreck can be used to limit your compensation when you file a claim.
Immediately After the Accident
If you are conscious and able to speak immediately after the crash, try to be careful what you say. Do not apologize. Even if you believe your mistake might have contributed to the accident, you do not have the full picture. Let the experts figure out who was at fault.
Talking to the Police
Florida Statutes § 316.065 requires you to call law enforcement after an accident that causes injuries or significant property damage. When you speak to the investigating officer, you should not lie, but you do not need to volunteer information that could be used against you. It is fine to say that you feel too shaken to give a statement, but provide your contact information and agree to speak with them later. Then contact an Orlando attorney at The Florida Firm who can listen to your description of the car accident and advise you about speaking with the police and others.
Statements to Insurers
You must also report the accident to your insurer, and the representative is likely to ask for a recorded statement. Do not agree to give a recorded statement until you have spoken with a legal professional.
Social Media
People sometimes do not realize that insurance company investigators will scour their social media when investigating an accident. You should immediately strengthen your privacy settings after a wreck, and do not post about the crash or your injuries. It is best to avoid posting anything on social media until your claim is settled, and only discuss the matter with the people who are close to you in real life.
Delaying Medical Treatment
Failing to get a medical evaluation immediately after the crash is a huge mistake and easily avoidable. If emergency services offer ambulance transport, accept it even if you think you are not badly injured. In all other cases, get a ride to a hospital emergency room, urgent care center, or your doctor’s office right away.
If you bring a legal claim, the insurance company for the at-fault driver might try to minimize your injuries, claim you got hurt in an incident unrelated to the car crash, or even claim you are faking. When you get a medical evaluation immediately after the wreck, an Orlando attorney from The Florida Firm can use it as evidence confirming your injuries and tying them to the car accident. On the other hand, when you delay, you give the insurance company reason to question your claim.
Is Handling Your Claim Yourself a Mistake?
When you have significant injuries, trying to manage your car accident claim by yourself is a big mistake. You will need to prove another party was negligent to get full compensation, and finding the evidence to prove negligence is a job for professionals.
You will also face insurance company tactics designed to force you to settle for less than you deserve. In addition to questioning your injuries as described above, the insurance company might try to shift blame onto you to reduce its liability.
Insurers have teams of professionals protecting their interests in car accident claims, and you should, too. Our lawyers have an impressive record of obtaining substantial settlements and verdicts for our clients injured in Orlando car accidents.
Work With an Orlando Attorney to Avoid Mistakes in Car Accident Claims
You can lose a lot of money if you do not know the mistakes to avoid after an Orlando car accident. If you immediately contact us at Colling Gilbert Wright, we can manage your claim and advocate for maximum compensation. Reach out to our car crash team today to learn more about how we can help you.