Law Offices of Nooney Roberts Hewett & Nowicki :

MISTAKES PEOPLE MAKE AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT

An automobile collision has the potential to make a person's life significantly challenging. You will not only have to pay for the repairs that need to be made to your vehicle, but you will also miss time that might be spent working or spending time with your family. Additionally, you run the risk of getting hurt and dealing with a complex set of legal repercussions.

It is quite easy to make errors that might make the situation even more precarious. Make a concerted effort the following mistakes. 

Failing to Contact Authorities

After an accident, many people are so unsettled that they don't bother to call the authorities. If you were involved in a minor traffic collision, the police will not come to the site to make an arrest. Police officers are there to help with the situation, take statements, and document the facts of the incident. All of this together is important evidence that can aid you to obtain the compensation you deserve.

Even if the other driver acknowledges fault and gives their contact information to you, you still need to get a report of the accident from the police. This is something that is very important to building your case.

In the absence of a police report, it may be exceedingly challenging to establish that the other person was negligent or liable in order to construct your case. In situations like these, insurance companies may assign a figure indicating the percentage of fault that was yours for the accident. This concept, known as comparative negligence, may restrict the maximum amount that you can collect through your claim. 

Fleeing the Scene

According to Florida law[1], it is considered a criminal violation to flee the scene of an accident without providing necessary information. You will not only be punished for fleeing the scene, but there is also a possibility that you may be charged with hindering the investigation. In the event that you were involved in an automobile crash, it is in your best interest to remain at the site until the police arrive. 

Before speaking with insurance companies and dealing with claims, call our personal injury attorneys at Nooney, Roberts, Hewett & Nowicki at (904) 398-1992, as dealing with insurance companies by yourself might end you up not receiving the full compensation you rightfully deserve. 

Towing Your Vehicle Before the Investigation is Over

It is imperative for the investigators to ascertain the positions of the cars after the collision to determine how and why the accident occurred and who is to blame. If it is not absolutely required to relocate your vehicle for safety reasons, do not move your vehicle, as it may result in a criminal offense[2]

Not Obtaining an Attorney 

Following an automobile accident, you will be confronted with a wide variety of legal issues, including insurance claims, investigations, and medical bills, among other things.

It is quite unlikely that you will be able to handle these things on your own when you are trying to recover from an accident. You need the assistance of a team of personal injury lawyers that have significant expertise in handling cases similar to yours. 

Call us at (904) 398-1992 or fill out a quick form to schedule your free initial consultation today! 

Accepting a Settlement on Your Own 

Having a strong legal team by your side is an important step to take if you want to ensure that you are compensated for any injuries or damages to the greatest extent feasible. 

The objective of the insurance adjuster is to watch out for the best interests of the insurer by negotiating with you to pay you the least amount of money possible in order to settle the claim.  Having legal representation can assist you in comprehending the circumstances surrounding your case and pursuing just recompense. 

Postponing Medical Treatment

After being in an accident, you should make an appointment with your primary care physician as soon as you can so that you may take care of your health and well-being and acquire a record from an expert of any injuries you may have incurred as a result of the accident. 

You have 14 calendar days from the date of the accident to obtain the initial medical care according to Florida law[3]. Failing to do this may be difficult to prove your injuries in the future, and you may lose your rights to seek compensation for your injuries and losses.  In addition, the opposing party may argue that you purposefully failed to seek medical treatment to exacerbate your injuries to increase your compensation. 

Not Giving Full Details about the Incident  

Do not try to keep anything hidden from the authorities, as there is a good chance that it will be discovered throughout the investigation. Because you need evidence of your injuries, you shouldn't try to seem tough by not telling the paramedics about your injuries. Instead, tell them everything. 

Very importantly, you should never be dishonest to your lawyer. They require as much information as they can get their hands on to fully comprehend your situation and defend you properly by having the full facts of the case. 

Call Nooney, Roberts, Hewett & Nowicki Today!

After an accident, you may turn to the dedicated and knowledgeable legal team at Nooney, Roberts, Hewett & Nowicki, standing by to assist you.

Stay away from these common mistakes and get in touch with us as soon as possible. Our number one priority is to offer you the most effective representation possible, thus, resulting in the best possible outcome.

Do not go through this intricate process alone, as it may result in you not receiving full compensation. Call us at (904) 398-1992 or fill out a quick form to schedule a free initial consultation with our aggressive personal injury attorneys to fight for the compensation you justly deserve! ¡Hablamos español!


[1] FLA. STAT. § 316.027(2)(a). See also § 775.082-775.084

[2] Id.

[3] FLA. STAT. § 627.736(1)(a)

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