The Biggest Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Florida Personal Injury Claim
If you are injured due to a car crash, a fall, or some other type of accident in Pinellas County and others are to blame, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical costs, lost income, pain, suffering, and other losses. However, personal injury claims in Florida are complex, and even a small mistake could jeopardize your case.
At The Reep Law Firm, our experienced Seminole personal injury attorney has helped countless accident victims recover the compensation they deserve. Below, we outline the biggest mistakes that can ruin your claim and how to avoid them.
Mistakes That Can Weaken Your Personal Injury Case
According to the Insurance Information Institute, insurers rake in billions in profits each year. In addition to charging high premiums, one of the ways they make money is by looking for reasons to deny your claim.
Mistakes on your part may give them cause. If you are injured, avoid the following:
- Not reporting your accident: Whether you are in a motor vehicle crash, a slip and fall in a public place, or suffer other injuries, reporting the accident creates an official record.
- Not getting immediate medical care: Even if your injuries appear minor, it can take hours or days for symptoms to appear. Delaying medical care can hurt your claim by making it seem like your injuries weren’t serious.
- Giving recorded statements to insurers: Insurance representatives may pressure you for a recorded statement, but anything you say could be used against you. Consult a lawyer first.
- Posting on social media: Avoid sharing details or photos of your accident or injuries online. Insurance companies can use these posts as evidence to reduce or deny your claim.
- Accepting an immediate settlement offer: Insurance companies often make immediate low-ball settlement offers, but accepting could leave you paying out of pocket for future costs.
How to Strengthen Your Pinellas County Personal Injury Claim
Personal injuries in Pinellas County can impact you long after an accident occurs. Now that we have shared what not to do, the following are steps we recommend to protect your rights and strengthen your claim:
- Gather strong evidence: Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any property damages suffered. Get contact info for witnesses and request copies of accident reports.
- Follow your doctor’s advice: Avoid skipping your medical appointments or failing to follow other instructions.
- Keep records of expenses: Track all medical bills, lost wages, and out-of-pocket costs related to your injury.
- Avoid discussing your case with others: What you say to friends, family, or coworkers can be used against you by insurers and in Pinellas County Civil Court proceedings.
To Get the Compensation You Are Entitled To, Contact Our Pinellas County Personal Injury Attorney Today
If you are injured in an accident and others are to blame, don’t let simple mistakes hurt your case. At The Reep Law Firm, we fight to protect your rights and maximize your compensation. Call or contact us online today to schedule a consultation with our experienced Pinellas County personal injury attorney.
Sources:
iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-industry-overview
mypinellasclerk.gov/Home/Civil-Court
