SearcyLaw
Car, truck and motorcycle accidents happen every day. In many cases, these accidents are the result of one driver’s negligence or a defect in one of the vehicles involved. When this is the case, victims of the accident can seek financial compensation for their injuries and losses. But, recovering just compensation is not easy. As an accident victim, there is a lot you need to know, and there are many mistakes you need to try to avoid.
The first thing you need to know is that your losses may be much greater than you realize. Most accident victims focus on their immediate losses: the damage to their vehicle and their emergency room medical bills. But, a serious auto accident can also lead to losses such as:
• Loss of income
• Loss of future earning potential
• Future medical expenses and prescription costs
• Other out-of-pocket expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma and loss of enjoyment of life
In order to collect full compensation for your injuries, you first need to know the full amount you are entitled to recover.
The standard advice most people give after an auto accident is to contact your insurance company. While you may have an obligation (under the terms of your policy) to report the accident to your insurer, you do not want to share any more information than is absolutely necessary. All insurance companies want to pay as little as possible for their policyholders’ and accident victims’ losses, and they are not there to help you stand up for your legal rights.
In order to recover just compensation for your accident, you will need two key types of evidence: (i) evidence of the cause of the accident, and (ii) evidence of the extent of your injuries. If you took photos of the accident, you should be sure to keep them and share them with your attorney; and, if you haven’t already, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
The vast majority of auto accident claims settle through the insurance claims process. But, in order to show the insurance companies that you are serious about protecting your rights, you need to show that you are prepared to go to trial. This requires hiring an experienced law firm with a proven record of taking the insurance companies to court.
Finally, when dealing with the insurance companies, even simple mistakes can jeopardize your financial recovery. Remember, they will be looking for any excuse to deny or reduce the value of your claim. From posting about the accident on social media to returning to work too soon, your attorney will be able to advise you of the various mistakes you need to avoid in order to protect your rights.
Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley PA is a Florida personal injury law firm. Our lawyers have represented thousands of clients with car accident,...
