The Biggest Mistakes People Make After a Car Accident in Orlando
A car accident does not need to result in a totaled vehicle to make you feel shaken up and shocked once it happens. After any kind of impact, it can be difficult to focus on what you need to do to protect yourself legally. Unfortunately, while most people know the basics of what to do after a crash, many fail to take critical measures that could help them settle an accident claim. These are the biggest mistakes people make after being involved in a car crash in Orlando.
What You Don’t Do After an Accident Could Hurt Your Claim
Forgetting to call the police soon after the crash. Whether the damages incurred were $500 or $5,000, you need local police to document your accident. If you were not at fault for the accident, the officer will confirm that, which will go a long way toward helping you win a fair settlement if you were injured or sustained extensive property damage. Don’t trust your insurance company to handle all the details after reporting the crash to them; their main goal is to pay as little as possible for claims.
Forgetting to take pictures of the accident scene before it’s cleared up. If the accident didn’t result in severe injuries, it will take police a while to arrive on the scene. This is the perfect time to photograph the incident, including where the vehicles sustained damage and what the road conditions were like. Take as many pictures as you think you will need and try different perspectives. These pictures will help the investigator understand the series of events that led to your crash, which will in turn help identify the at-fault party.
Waiting too long to see a doctor. Most people don’t want to bother with an unplanned doctor’s visit after an accident, and those who feel just fine might never schedule one. The problem with not going to the doctor after a crash is that if you’re injured and your injuries are not noticeable right away because you’re in shock, you might miss out on valuable compensation. Insurance companies are less likely to shortchange a person who was diligent about seeking treatment immediately after the crash, while anyone who waits too long runs the risk of having their claim dismissed or devalued because of the belief that the injuries they’re claiming aren’t tied to the accident.
Failing to report all accident-related injuries to your doctor right away. It might take a few days or weeks to notice pain or soreness in one or more body parts after an accident. This is normal. If you’re feeling pain in two or more parts of your body, be sure to let the doctor know about all of them, not just where you’re feeling the most pain. Once the worst of the pain subsides, you’ll start to notice the other pains more. If you wait too long to report it, the insurance company may argue that you’re trying to raise the value of your claim by making up symptoms.
Failing to see a doctor with experience treating car accident injuries. If you go to your primary care doctor after an accident and they turn you away because you were in an accident, you might be surprised. Your doctor’s office might have a few reasons for this, two of which likely include:
- They want to avoid sending bills to and receiving payments from insurance companies. This process can be a hassle for physicians.
- Treating car accident victims differs from people with other illnesses. Car accident victims often sustain soft tissue injuries that doctors might not have experience treating.
Soft tissue injuries include sprains and strains, which need minimal treatment; but they also include ligament tears, tendon tears, and herniated spinal discs, which require more intensive care, including surgery. A doctor who provides inadequate or incorrect care could make the condition worse.
Failing to keep quiet about your accident without legal representation. After your accident, you might get a call from an insurance agent looking for details about the crash. Avoid giving them too much information and don’t exaggerate the facts. The insurance company will find out and you can expect a reduced settlement. When discussing accident facts with an insurance company representative, it’s best to have a lawyer speak on your behalf.
Choosing not to hire a car accident lawyer.
Car insurance companies have large teams of lawyers helping them keep their costs down to keep their shareholders happy. This means teams of lawyers help them find loopholes to avoid paying what you deserve in the aftermath of a crash. To level the playing field, hire a competent car accident lawyer in Orlando who will strive to recover every cent you’re entitled to by law.
Orlando Car Accident Lawyers Eager to Protect Your Interests
Attorneys with the Umansky Law Firm have practiced personal injury law for decades, with more than 100 years of combined experience. With our help, you can recover compensation for property damage, medical bills, pain and suffering, and more. We want you to get back to your normal life by recovering as quickly as possible. Let us handle the insurance companies so you can have peace of mind during this difficult time. Call our office or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
