An auto accident can be an extremely stressful event in someone’s life, especially if you or someone you love suffers injuries as a result of the accident. Not all injuries are substantial enough to seek compensation from a driver who may be at fault, especially in Florida where there are strict statutes regarding accident claims. However, an accident attorney can help you determine if you have a claim against another driver. There are also certain things that you can do to make it easier and less stressful on yourself while you work through your claim.
Here are three tips that can help you with your accident claim:
1. Adhere to Advice from Medical Professionals
Always seek medical attention following an accident if you feel that you have been injured. Your health and wellbeing is the first and foremost priority.
If you do have significant injuries, it’s critical that you adhere to all advice and recommendations from medical professionals. Your doctor may give you specific treatments to help you heal, and if you don’t follow those treatments, the defense in the case may use that against you.
2. Speak to an Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer
Contact an experienced auto accident attorney as soon as possible after an accident. Give your attorney as much information as possible, even details about your role in the event. All details involving your claim are important, and anything that may be overlooked could be used against you.
Ask your lawyer questions that you may not know the answers to, and take into account any advice that he/she gives you. Your attorney will help determine if there is enough evidence to pursue a claim, but this is contingent on the conversations and evidence you present to him/her.
3. Monitor Your Words to Others
Outside of your attorney, be very careful who you speak to following your accident. If the other driver’s insurance company calls to get your testimony on the accident, be aware that anything you say may be used against you. It is better to consult with your auto accident lawyer before speaking to anyone else involved in the claim.
Additionally, do not post about the claim—or preferably do not post at all—on social media following the accident. Anything you post may be used by the defense to refute your claims. For instance, if you claim that you are injured but post a photo of you on a ski trip following the accident, it may be used to claim that your injuries are not substantial enough for a claim.
In the event that you are in an automobile accident and suffer an injury, it is in your best interest to seek the counsel of an attorney who will help you determine whether you can seek compensation for your injuries. The biggest thing to remember is that your claim may take some time, so have patience as you and your attorney work through the legal process.
References:
AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENTS AND PERMANENT INJURIES | Panter, Panter & Sampedro, P.A. Miami, Florida, Personal Injury Motor Vehicle Accidents. (n.d.). Retrieved December 05, 2017, from https://panterlaw.com/auto-accidents/helpful-hints/automobile-accidents-and-permanent-injuries/
(2017, June 27). How Social Media Posts Can Impact Your Personal Injury Case | Panter, Panter & Sampedro, P.A. Retrieved December 05, 2017, from https://panterlaw.com/2017/07/03/social-media-posts-can-impact-personal-injury-case/
