Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Accident in Pinellas County
Being involved in a Pinellas County car accident can throw your entire life into chaos. In the minutes and days afterward, injured victims are often in a state of shock.
Unfortunately, insurance companies and their representatives typically try to take advantage of the situation. They may either deny your claim or attempt to pressure you into accepting an immediate low-ball settlement. While knowing the steps you need to follow to protect yourself is crucial, knowing what not to do is just as important.
Protecting yourself starts with avoiding the pitfalls that insurance companies and at-fault drivers hope you’ll fall into. Our experienced Seminole car accident attorney helps you avoid common mistakes in injury claims that can jeopardize your rights to compensation.
Five Common Mistakes Victims Make At The Scene Of Pinellas County Car Accidents
Close to 16,000 car accidents happen in Pinellas County each year, according to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the majority of which result in serious injuries. In the aftermath, car accident scenes are hectic places, and it’s easy to act on instinct rather than strategy.
However, what you say and do in the first moments after a crash can be used against you later. Common mistakes victims make include:
- Leaving the scene before exchanging information or speaking with law enforcement.
- Apologizing or admitting fault, even casually, when emotions are high.
- Failing to call the police and get an official crash report.
- Not taking photos of the vehicles, road conditions, or visible injuries.
- Accepting a “handshake deal” with the other driver to avoid reporting the accident.
Even if the crash feels minor, official documentation and evidence can make all the difference if your injuries worsen or the insurer disputes liability later.
Missteps in the Days Following A Pinellas County Crash
The hours and days after an accident are when insurance companies typically start calling. This is also when many accident victims are most likely to unintentionally damage their case. Mistakes to avoid include:
- Delaying medical care, which can allow insurers to argue you weren’t really hurt.
- Ignoring follow-up appointments or prescribed treatment.
- Talking to insurance adjusters without getting legal guidance first.
- Posting about your car accident, injuries, or activities on social media, which can be twisted against you.
- Accepting the first settlement offer without understanding your long-term needs.
While insurers may try to blame you for the crash and deny liability, under Florida’s comparative negligence law, you can still get compensation, even if you were partially at fault.
Talk to Our Experienced Pinellas County Car Accident Attorney Before Accepting a Settlement
You only have one chance to get a fair settlement after a car accident in Pinellas County. At The Reep Law Firm, we know the traps insurers use to deny payment to victims and help you avoid common mistakes that can jeopardize your claim.
Before speaking to insurers, signing any documents, or accepting a settlement, contact our office. To protect your rights, request a consultation today with our experienced Seminole car accident attorney.
Sources:
flhsmv.gov/pdf/crashreports/crash_facts_2022.pdf
leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0700-0799/0768/Sections/0768.81.html
