Even if no one is wounded after a car collision, it’s natural to feel jittery. In the event of a car accident, being cool is critical. Here are everything you need to know after a car accident and some things to avoid.
Submitting an automobile accident claim would be a straightforward process in an ideal world where everyone is prepared to accept responsibility for their actions. Although the world is not flawless, people are at fault in accidents, and insurance companies seldom take responsibility or even follow their promises.
Because no one else is seriously injured in a car accident, it is normal to feel shaken up after being in one. If you are adequately prepared, knowing what you can and cannot do ahead of time will help you keep calm if you are ever involved in a car accident.
Knowing what happens if someone crashes into you without insurance is critical. And that you take action to safeguard your rights and improve your chances of receiving compensation for the injuries caused by the negligent driver. You should and should not do various things after a car accident.
When making an insurance claim after an automobile accident in Miami, Florida, there are various aspects to consider. Following is a list of Do’s and Don’ts to remember after a car accident. Keep these tips to have the best chance of protecting your rights.
Immediately Following an Accident
DO – Take A Deep Breath And Stay Calm.
In the event of an accident, Florida law requires you to stop at the scene of the accident. Failure to comply with this requirement is a crime in the case of bodily harm or death and a misdemeanor in the case of property damage.
Your priority should be to avoid serious harm to yourself and other passengers. If you have been hurt, you must keep your cool while waiting for help.
DO – Take Pictures And Make A List Of Key Facts.
If at all possible, photograph the accident scene to document any damage to your vehicle and any physical injuries incurred by the passengers. If the matter goes to trial, this will be utilized as additional evidence and help you present your case at trial.
The collecting of facts about how the accident occurred is a vital step in submitting an accident claim.
DON’TS: Do Not Move An Injured Individual.
Unless there is strong evidence of a fire or impending danger, avoid moving any unconscious or injured people or even your car.
DON’TS: Accept And Recognize Responsibility
Regardless of whether they were at fault in an accident, many people feel obligated to show remorse after an occurrence. Anything you say in the immediate aftermath of a car accident might put you in legal trouble.
When you apologize, it implies that you were at fault. Make no apologies for the accident, and don’t make any conclusions about your guilt. Instead, stick to the facts and avoid broad generalizations about your fault.
Leave the accident investigation and determining fault to a lawyer with considerable experience in automobile accident cases.
When Reporting An Accident
DO: Inform The Authorities.
According to Florida law, you must report events involving death, injury, property damage, hit-and-run, or an alcoholic driver to law enforcement, especially if the collision seems to be worth more than $500.
If you have recently been involved in an accident, you should call the Miami Police Department or the Florida Highway Patrol as soon as possible.
DO: Get In Touch With Your Insurance Company.
Report the incident to your insurance carrier as soon as possible, and be sure to get the other motorist’s insurance and contact information as well.
When the police have finished their investigation, they will give you and the other driver a document explaining the collision. It’s important to remember that filing a police report is a necessary step in the process of filing an insurance claim.
DON’TS: Don’t Put Off Contacting Your Insurance Carrier.
You may jeopardize your chances of receiving compensation if you wait too long to register your claim. Getting the most out of your settlement is primarily dependent on timely submission of your claim and good follow-up.
In most cases, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit in Florida is four years; however, it may be shorter depending on the nature of the damage claim.
DON’TS: Make No Recorded Statements In Court.
Make no statements, especially recorded statements, to your own or the other party’s insurance company without consulting with an attorney.
Insurance companies may try to use a recorded statement to make it seem as if you lied or were unable to accurately recall the details of the accident to pay you less money than you are entitled to.
When Filing a Claim, Here’s What You Should and Shouldn’t
DO: Examine Your Insurance Policy
You must send a copy of your insurance policy declarations page to your legal agent to properly file your insurance claim.
This will provide the attorney insight into what is and is not covered by your insurance policy. Furthermore, knowing your insurance policy terms can significantly improve your attorney’s ability to negotiate with the insurance company.
DON’TS: Don’t Accept The First Settlement Offer That Comes Your Way.
Do not accept the insurance company’s initial claim settlement offer; the corporation will attempt to pay you the smallest amount feasible for your claim.
Accepting the check marked “final payment” limits your legal options even more if you become aware of any additional issues or expenditures that may have a favorable impact on the amount of your final settlement payout. Do not cash the cheque if you are not completely happy with the amount. It is best to hire the services of an experienced lawyer.
DON’TS: Do Not Sign Any Paperwork Unless An Attorney accompanies you.
Refuse to sign a blanket clinical approval; the insurance company will be interested in analyzing your medical data. However, if you sign a blanket medical permission, they may seek more medical information to weaken your case.
Most importantly, do not sign any paper, even a medical release, unless you fully understand your signing and why you are doing it. Such contracts often provide the insurance company legal power to collect your earlier medical information, which the insurer will then use to reject or lower the amount of your claim.
Conclusion
Following an accident, both physical and mental harm may occur. Even though you are anxious to resolve the issue as soon as possible, rushing through the procedure may jeopardize your chances of collecting enough compensation for your losses. The ordinary individual knows very little about vehicle accident claims, and insurance companies are well aware of this.
When it comes to navigating the legal system, you’ll need the help of an experienced Florida automobile accident attorney. With a decade of expertise dealing with insurance companies, Ovadia Law Group is dedicated to assisting you in being compensated.
Please contact us at 1-800-674-9396 for help in dealing with your insurance carrier or the insurance company of the at-fault motorist throughout the claim filing process. Please feel free to contact our legal team at any moment for a free first consultation over getting the compensation you deserve.
