Car accidents are some of the most terrible experiences that can happen to you. However, you can change the narrative of the accident if you do the wrong thing. Making the wrong decision can make the difference between getting the settlement you deserve and taking up the fault.
“While all states experience many car accidents each year, Florida posts some of the worst statistics. The state is the third highest in the entire country for fatalities.”
By avoiding the issues outlined below, you can turn the situation around.
1. Leaving the Scene of the Accident
When you leave the scene of the accident, you turn it into a scene of a crime. Florida law doesn’t take leaving the scene of the accident lightly, regardless of whether you are the one at fault or not. The law states that the moment you get involved in an accident, you immediately stop your vehicle at the scene of the accident and wait for the police to arrive.
2. Assuming You don’t Need to Call 911
Some people assume that they only need to call 911 when someone has been hurt in an accident. This is a huge mistake. Whether you have been injured or not, always call 911 after an accident.
Importantly, the police help you determine who was at fault during the accident. Police usually investigate the crash when they arrive at the scene, speak to witnesses, and come up with a police report that details how the crash happened and who is to blame.
The report can help you when it comes to presenting evidence to the insurer or the court.
Police also help you exchange vital information between the drivers involved in the crash and help move the vehicles off the road. They also direct the traffic after the collision so that no more accidents can happen.
3. You Forget to Exchange Information
After the accident, it is common to be disoriented and forget what you need to do. One of the top things you ought to do is exchange information with the other driver. A vital piece of information that you need to exchange is the name of their insurer.
Most motorists don’t have the money to pay for the damage they have caused in an accident, which is why you need their insurer’s information.
4. Admitting Fault
Anything and everything you say after the accident can and will be used against you. The insurance adjuster will take what you say, misinterpret it, and turn the case against you.
While you might have said you are sorry because you felt bad that the other person was hurt, this can be interpreted by the defendant’s lawyer as an admission of guilt. It is always best not to say anything – let your lawyer do the talking.
5. Underestimating Your Injuries
Depending on the severity of the impact, you can experience minimal or no pain at all. This shouldn’t fool you. You might realize that the pain gets worse when the adrenaline wears off.
For the sake of filing a claim, visit a doctor to document the injuries to compute the cost of settlement better.
6. Failing to Gather Evidence
For the sake of filing the claim and proving fault, gather as much information as you can about the accident and how it happened. If you have a camera, take as many relevant pictures as possible. Take pictures of your injuries, the vehicles, and the surroundings.
If other people witnessed the crash, make sure you take down their information. Include their names, addresses, and phone numbers.
Don’t forget to note down the date and time when the accident happened, the weather conditions, and whether there are any traffic lights around the scene. If a nearby business has CCTV installed on the premises, you can request footage.
7. Taking Time before Requesting for Car Accident Lawyers Connecticut Services
A Gainesville car accident lawyer is always ready to help when you have a problem. Handling a personal injury claim can be tough if you don’t have the right information and guidance. You must work with a lawyer who understands your case and has the necessary experience to handle it the right way so that you get maximum compensation.