Auto Accident Case: Avoid These 5 Mistakes
December 8, 2020
If you are injured in an accident, there are some important mistakes to avoid that could severely reduce the value of your auto accident case. Here are five mistakes to avoid:
- Waiting too Long to File
- Not Seeking Treatment
- Lying About the Details
- Forgetting About Surveillance
- Signing your rights away
Waiting to Long to File
There is a time-limit or “Statute of Limitations” on filing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party in the state of Florida. You must file a lawsuit within FOUR years if you wish to recover compensation for the injuries you received due to the negligence of another. While they are some limited circumstances in which the time-limit might be extended, if you wait longer than four years to file an Auto Accident case, Florida civil courts will probably not look at it. Separately, filing an insurance claim in a timely manner is imperative if you wish to receive PIP (Personal Injury Protection) benefits. Florida is a no-fault state, meaning your insurance pays your medical bills and other financial losses, as well as anyone else involved that was covered under your policy (up to the limits), regardless of which party was at fault. There is no law in Florida that requires an auto accident insurance claim to be filed by a certain time, but insurance companies have their own policies that may includes certain deadlines. For help navigating through the process and maximizing the value of your case, hire an experienced and knowledgeable auto accident attorney. “Jodat Knows That!”
Not Seeking Treatment
If you’re injured in an accident, it’s imperative that you immediately seek treatment for your injuries. Besides the obvious need to get medical care for your personal health, when you aren’t treated for your injuries, you severely undercut the potential to successfully pursue compensation for your injuries through a personal injury lawsuit. In the case of moderate to severe injuries, you may choose to visit the hospital to seek treatment. Other forms of treatment may include an appointment with a licensed chiropractor or orthopedic doctor. Whichever form you choose, get medical care as soon as possible after an accident. An auto accident case lawyer such as Jodat Law Group can handle the legal process and let you focus on recovering from the accident through medical treatment.
Lying About the Details
Providing false information when filing an insurance claim can be disastrous. The monetary value of your auto accident case may be reduced tremendously, and sometimes to ZERO. It’s also possible that misleading statements or information can later be used to void the personal injury claim entirely. The defendant’s attorney would likely find out about the lie and use it against your case. It’s a simple mistake to avoid and should be taken very seriously.
Forgetting About Surveillance
When you file a personal injury lawsuit, the defendant’s attorney and insurance company will begin working to downplay or minimize the damages you are pursing. It’s very likely that the at-fault party’s insurance will hire investigators to surveil and take photos of you. They may even monitor your social media accounts to try and find something to use against you. Their goal is to obtain evidence of the plaintiff performing physical activities or tasks that dispute the severity of the injuries reported in the claim. If you are asked whether you performed these tasks, and you did, just admit it. Being caught in the act and then lying about it can greatly reduce your compensation.
Signing Your Rights Away
Before you sign ANYTHING and potentially give some of your rights away, consult with your auto accident attorney. Let an experienced and trusted law firm protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact Jodat Law Group today for a free consultation regarding an auto accident injury. Jodat Law Group has locations in Bradenton, Sarasota, Venice, and Tampa, Florida.
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