If you sustain a personal injury – whether it’s through a car accident, traffic collision, or bicycle accident in South Miami – you may qualify for compensation if your injuries were caused by a wrongful act or negligence. Pursuing compensation can be important if you need to secure resources to pay for medical costs, lost income, and other expenses related to your injuries. Under Florida law, you have a right to pursue compensation if you have been injured by recklessness or negligence. However, there are some things that may harm your claim. The most common mistakes plaintiffs make include:
1) Speaking too much to the wrong people. If you are injured in a truck accident in South Miami, for example, speaking too much at the scene of the accident can be harmful. You may end up saying something that could later be construed as accepting blame. When discussing your injuries or accident, speak only when you need to and stick to just the facts. Let your personal injury attorney handle the rest.
2) Not seeking professional help – both medical and legal. Whether you have been injured in a South Miami slip and fall accident, a traffic collision, or through some other situation, it is important to seek help. Even if you are not sure whether you have sustained injuries, consult with a medical professional. Some serious conditions do not show symptoms right away, so delaying diagnosis and treatment could be life-threatening. In addition to seeking medical help, seek legal advice as well. A personal injury attorney in South Miami or your community can advise you of your rights and can help you determine what your best course of action might be.
3) Not documenting enough. If you are considering launching a legal claim in South Miami, it is important to have as much documentation as possible. Soon after your accident, set up a file folder or container where you can keep copies of medical and police reports, insurance information, receipts, and other documents. Keep a journal of your injuries and symptoms and photos of your injuries and any property damage. The more information you have, the easier it is for medical and legal professionals to help you.
4) Accepting the first insurance claim money without question. Insurance offers are not written in stone. In many cases, an attorney can review an insurance offer and may be able to help you understand whether the offer will cover the total likely costs of your injuries. A personal injury attorney may even be able to negotiate with your insurance carrier for a fairer amount. You are under no obligation to accept insurance money outright, so think carefully before you sign anything.
5) Not planning ahead. Recovering from a serious injury can take months or years. During that time, you may face substantial injury-related costs and you may not be able to return to work. It is important to secure the assistance and resources you need so that you can focus on healing.
Do not let mistakes affect your right to compensation. Before you discuss your injuries or sign any paperwork related to your injuries or your claim, contact the Flaxman Law Group for a free case evaluation and consultation. Discuss your situation with one of our personal injury attorneys so that you can make an informed decision about your next steps.