Car Accident Attorney Deltona, FL
It can be a challenging road to recovery if you were seriously injured after an accident, as a car accident attorney in Deltona, Florida understands. Motorists drive through busy streets and freeways each day. Negligent drivers cause many accidents each year that hurt victims, leaving them with devastating injuries and burdening them with medical bills, wrecked vehicles, missed hours from work, and general pain and suffering. You should not have to be left worrying how you are going to move on from this difficult period on your own. Legal assistance is available to take you through this time, if you act sooner than later. You may be able to receive fair compensation and have the responsible party be held accountable for their role in the accident. If you were recently injured in a vehicle collision, you should speak to a car accident attorney Deltona, FL residents trust at David & Philpot, P.L. A skilled attorney can improve your chances of obtaining the compensation you deserve. With that being said, here are some common mistakes you should avoid after a car accident.
Failing to Get Medical Attention Immediately
An experienced attorney would advise you that you should never refuse to get medical treatment after being involved in an auto collision. Some car accidents injuries, such as whiplash, may not show symptoms right away. That’s why you should seek medical care immediately after a car accident, even if you feel fine. A doctor will evaluate the severity of your injuries and recommend the appropriate treatment. Having a report from a healthcare professional can be used as strong evidence in a case and backs up your statements. If you wait too long to get treated, you could put your health in jeopardy, even if your injuries were mild. If left untreated, your mild injuries could worsen and require extended care you may have to pay for. Delaying medical care may also cause the insurance company to argue that your injuries aren’t that serious. This can result in a premature dismissal of your claim. After an accident, take photos of your injuries for your record so you can show them to your attorney.
Exaggerating Your Injuries
Some car accident victims make the mistake of exaggerating their injuries to get a higher settlement. It may be common sense, but do not try this. The insurance company will be evaluating your statements carefully and will be suspicious of sensational language. They will be on the lookout for fraudulent claims you make. If the insurance company finds out that you stretched the truth, it could put your case in jeopardy. In your description of how the accident occurred, be as accurate as possible without embellishing details. Don’t do anything that might potentially harm your chances of a strong case.
Not Taking the Right Photos
In addition to photos of your injuries, make sure you have proper photos of your vehicle and the entire accident scene. Photos are one of the most important, compelling pieces of evidence you can have in a car accident claim. Make sure to capture shots of all the vehicles involved in the accident, debris and skid marks on the road and any obstructions, like bushes. Capture them from different angles to better portray what happened. If applicable, take images that include both your vehicle and the vehicle (or vehicles) that hit you. The more photos you have, the stronger your case will be. If your injuries prevent you from being able to take photos, have a witness at the scene take them for you.
Admitting Fault
Even if you believe you are partially to blame for the accident, you should never admit fault to anyone. Simply apologizing to the other driver can be enough to jeopardize your case. You are not obligated to admit fault to anyone following an auto accident. Consult with a lawyer about your account of an accident.
Accepting the First Settlement Offer
After a car accident, the other driver’s insurance company will likely want to speak to you about your case. They may even offer you a settlement for the accident. Be wary and skeptical of any insurance companies or individuals telling you that you should accept the first offer presented to you. This would be a mistake as it closes other opportunities for you. While it may be tempting to accept this offer and get everything over with, the insurance company’s initial offer likely isn’t enough to cover your medical bills and other damages. Always explore your legal options to determine the best strategy for obtaining compensation that’s fair and appropriate for your circumstances. It’s best to have an attorney review the offer before accepting it.
Posting on Social Media
If you’re like many people these days, you may share a lot about your life on Facebook and other social media sites. This is not a wise choice if you have been involved in an auto collision. However, you should avoid sharing too much when you’re in the middle of a car accident case. Limit any details you share so you can avoid jeopardizing your case. Insurance adjusters may check your social media pages to try to gather up evidence against you. These posts don’t even have to be directly related to an accident. For example, if you claim that you injured your back in a car accident, but post a photo of you at an amusement park, the insurance company may argue that you aren’t as injured as you claim to be. Be mindful of how you portray yourself on social media accounts. It’s best to limit any social media activity for the duration of your case so you don’t accidentally reveal compromising details that can be used against you.
If you suffered injuries in a car accident, schedule a free consultation with an attorney today.
Common Myths About Car Accidents
If you were hurt in a car accident caused by another driver, you have the right to file a lawsuit. However, before you pursue one, learn about the common myths about car accident lawsuits.
- Insurance Companies Always Offer Fair Settlement: Many people mistakenly assume that the other driver’s insurance company will treat them fairly and offer them the settlement they deserve. However, insurance companies care about their bottom line first and may try to convince you to accept a lower settlement. That’s why it’s important to have a skilled car accident attorney in Deltona, Florida on your side.
- Police Reports Always Prove Fault: If you were involved in a car accident, it’s important to contact the police immediately so that they can come and file a report. This report will include important information about the accident, such as when and where it occurred and the names of everyone involved. However, it won’t necessarily prove fault.
- Rear Cars Are Always Responsible for Rear-End Accidents: If you were rear-ended by a driver, you may automatically assume that the driver is completely liable for the accident. However, drivers who rear-end other vehicles aren’t always entirely responsible for the accident. If you, for example, hit your brakes erratically or merge recklessly, you could also be held liable for the accident.
- You Can Handle the Lawsuit Yourself: While you’re not required to hire a car accident attorney in Deltona, FL to represent you, it’s highly recommended. To have a successful car accident claim, you must have a thorough investigation, sufficient evidence and multiple negotiations. This takes a lot of time and effort, so you could use professional help. An experienced lawyer has knowledge of the law and will handle your case. This way, you can spend more time recovering and taking care of yourself.
- If You Don’t Have Obvious Injuries, It’s Not Worth It To Pursue a Case: Just because your injuries can’t be seen by the naked eye, doesn’t mean that your case isn’t worth anything. The court recognizes that many car accident injuries, such as concussions and torn ligaments, can’t be seen, but that doesn’t make them any less serious. Even if your injuries can’t be seen or don’t seem that severe right now, you should still pursue a lawsuit.
- Hiring a Lawyer Is Expensive: Some people may unfortunately shy away from hiring an attorney because they think they can’t afford the legal services. However, most car accident attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning they take a percentage of your winnings. If you don’t win your case, you won’t owe your lawyer any money.
Common Car Accident Injuries
An attorney at David & Philpot, P.L. have seen the range of injuries that victims of car accidents may sustain. If you or a loved one was recently in a vehicular crash, which resulted in injuries that required medical attention, we urge you to call us today to represent your case. If you are worried that you are not able to afford the medical bills from visiting the emergency room or doctor, please know that we can pursue compensation relentlessly from the party at-fault, so none of that comes out of your own pocket.
If you sustained the following injuries after a car accident, get medical attention right away and then call an attorney for assistance:
- Whiplash, neck injuries: whiplash happens when the neck muscles are forced forward and backward rapidly past the normal extension. Whiplash can lead to the development of chronic pain and issues with concentration and sleep.
- Spinal cord damage, paralysis: an injury to the spinal cord can result in loss of functioning of the limbs or portion of the body. In cases of less severe damage, even after recovery the victim may have long-term pain and other debilitations.
- Abdominal and chest injuries: impact from the crash can tear or rupture the diaphragm (which is the muscle under the lungs that helps you breathe), spleen, kidneys, liver, and more. Some internal organ injuries need emergency surgery.
- Burns: those who have been in a car accident may suffer from burns of various degrees. More serious burns may cause damage of the deeper tissues, potentially resulting in scarring and disfigurement.
- Smoke inhalation: inhaling smoke from a car fire can cause lung damage.
- Bruises and cuts: while superficial cuts often heal rapidly, more serious lacerations can affect internal organs and muscle tissue.
- Broken bones and fractures: victims of car accidents may have broken bones, collarbones, and ribs. Fractures of the ribs in particular can injure internal organs, causing a life-threatening situation.
Injuries from a car accident often require surgery, rehabilitation, assistive care, therapy, and other medical treatments. Based on the severity and type of physical injury, a victim may not be able to work as they recover. This quickly results in financial hardship for the victim. Please know that you may be entitled to substantial compensation for all that you have been through thus far. We can fight for your behalf and help alleviate the weight of this difficult time.
Call David Philpot, P.L. Today for Assistance
We are here to protect your best interests and help hold the offending driver responsible for their carelessness on the road. For more information, please contact the offices of David & Philpot, P.L to speak with a Deltona Florida car accident attorney as soon as possible.
