Getting into a car accident is not something we plan for. In fact, most of assume that when we get into our vehicles, we’ll make it safely to our destination without issue. And for the most part – that is usually the case. However, situations arise and accidents can be an unfortunate consequence of those actions.
If you’re in an accident, there are a certain number of things you should always and immediately do. However, there are mistakes you can make that can potentially hurt you in the long run. The following is a list of four mistakes that people make, which may end up ruining, or causing serious problems for their Naples auto accident case.
Mistake 1: Not calling the police
Far too often people do not call the police following an accident because the other driver pleads with them not to. They insist they will take care of the damage without involving the authorities. Remember that a police report can serve as evidence to prove that the accident actually happened. We suggest always calling the police no matter how minor you may think the accident might be. It’s always better to have proper documentation, especially when filing a claim with your insurance carrier.
Mistake 2: Not seeking immediate medical treatment
If you feel you have been injured because of an accident, seek immediate medical attention. First and foremost, you need to make sure you are ok. Plus the correct documentation of your injuries and subsequent treatment plan is an important part of on any personal injury claim.
Mistake 3: Not seeking legal advice
While we certainly hope you would call our experienced team of Naples accident lawyers at Weinstein & Cohen, it’s important to get legal representation regardless of which attorney you choose. Immediately following your accident, insurance carriers and adjusters will begin calling you with many questions and may even ask to take recorded statements. It’s important to tell the truth, but you’ll want a personal injury lawyer on your side that understands the nuances of the law and has the experience necessary to provide you with the right kind of counsel and who can also negotiate and even litigate against an insurance company should it be necessary.
Mistake 4: Not following up with medical treatment
In an injury case, the evidence is your medical records. If you’re injured in a Naples car crash, then you need to have medical records to back up those injuries. You must not only seek immediate medical treatment but also follow through on all subsequent appointments. This is a critical step in ensuring that the insurance company can’t come back at you and claim that your injuries were not as severe as claimed since you did not follow through on your treatment plan.
If you or someone you care about has been injured or involved in an accident in Naples, Florida or across South Florida, contact the Naples accident lawyers and Miami personal injury attorneys at Weinstein & Cohen at 239-793-3331 or 305-374-1011, or visit fairnessforall, for an absolutely free and confidential legal consultation to learn more about your options.