18 Apr

5 Mistakes To Avoid Making When You File A Personal Injury Claim

When you’re injured in any kind of accident, the repercussions can be overwhelming and strenuous. You might find yourself immediately in a bind dealing with financial, physical, and emotional aspects of the accident that can keep you from thinking clearly, causing you to make mistakes or create more problems for yourself down the road. There are a few common mistakes that should be avoided when you plan to file a personal injury claim.

Avoid Relying On Yourself Alone – You Need A Personal Injury Attorney

Many people can be easily misled when it comes to what it takes to represent yourself in court. When you’re injured in an accident, you need seasoned, aggressive representation on your side. Trying to secure compensation from insurance companies can be draining even with a personal injury attorney on your side; attempting to do it alone may result in you making a mistake and forfeiting the chance to get maximum compensation for your accident and injuries.

While you may be concerned about the cost of hiring an attorney, it is actually much more affordable than most realize. Most accident injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning their services require no upfront or out-of-pocket costs. You only pay if and when your attorney wins a settlement. If they don’t, the money is yours to keep. At The Florida Law Group, our attorney fees are repaid directly from your settlement amount when we win your case. Having the legal guidance of an attorney with extensive knowledge of Florida’s personal injury laws is priceless.

Avoid Leaving The Scene Of The Accident

An accident can be an intense experience. It isn’t uncommon for your first instinct to be wanting to remove yourself from the scene. However, if you are filing a personal injury claim (and even if you are not), you should never leave the scene of an accident without first calling 911 and being checked out by a medical professional.

While the at-fault party might be sorry and even admit to the accident being a result of their own negligence, if there is not a police report filed, their insurance company might hear a completely different story, giving them probable cause to deny any claims you make. You should also obtain your own copy of the report as evidence.

Avoid Waiting Too Long To File

Waiting too long to file is a poor reason for you not to be able to recover the damages you deserve. However, in Florida, there is a statute of limitations on the allotted amount of time you have to file a personal injury claim after a car accident occurs. According to Florida Statutes § 95.11(3)(a). you have four years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim.

If you wait past the four-year mark, you may be prohibited from filing a lawsuit. Also, if you wait to get yourself checked out or you are injured again down the line, even if your injuries actually do end up being a result of the first accident, you cannot pursue a lawsuit if the four years are up.

Avoid Denying Medical Attention After The Accident

It is common to have a rush of adrenaline when an accident occurs that ultimately hinders your ability to feel or notice the pain you might be in. There is also such a thing as a non-visible injury that can occur, like internal bleeding or a concussion. A common mistake made is refusing or neglecting to be examined by a medical professional. It is crucial that you are checked out for injuries not only for your safety but for evidence when you file a personal injury claim.

If you deny medical help or examinations, you will not be allowed to seek compensation for the cost of your injuries.

Avoid Accepting The First Offer You Get – Allow Your Lawyer Time To Fight For The Settlement You Deserve

When you’re injured in a car accident, the at-fault driver’s insurance company, and sometimes even your insurance company, should cover the cost of your injuries. However, that doesn’t mean that they will. In fact, most insurance companies will try their hardest to deny or devalue your injury claims so they can keep more money in their own pocket. Though, sometimes, they can’t get away with it and must offer a settlement. The first settlement is likely to be worth way less than your injuries are, though, which is why it is important to have a personal injury attorney who can fight for maximum compensation. Don’t settle for less than you deserve!

What The Florida Law Group Can Do For You

At The Florida Law Group, we know how overwhelming and discouraging it can be when dealing with the physical, emotional, and financial burden that being in an accident can cause, which isn’t fair. That’s why we strive to fight for justice on your behalf and help you secure the compensation you deserve for the injuries you’ve sustained. We handle the legal complexities so that you can focus on healing. You don’t have to navigate this legal process alone. The Florida Law Group’s accident injury attorneys care about what happens to you and can help you avoid common mistakes when filing a personal injury claim. Call today for a free consultation and learn more about what we can do for you.

About The Firm

The Florida Law Group is one of Florida’s oldest and most reputable firms around. Our legal team has over 100+ years of combined experience assisting accident victims who someone else’s negligence has injured. We are dedicated and passionate attorneys who want you to get what you deserve. We’ve been recognized by some of the nation’s most prestigious legal organizations, like The National Trial Lawyers Top 100, Best Lawyers In America, Florida Super Lawyers, and more! In addition to our reputation, we offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis. When we win your case, our fees are repaid from your settlement rather than out of your pocket. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing. Get the representation you deserve, and call now!