Automobile and Motorcycle Accident Injury in Florida

What not to do after you are in a crash

Auto accidents are a sad fact of life. In the U. S., there are more than 5 million accidents each year, causing more than 46,000 deaths. If you are an auto accident victim, you need to immediately take what actions you can to help your legal case. There are also many things you should not do. Here are a few tips on what not to do after a crash:

1. Do not show how tough you are by downplaying any injury. If you hurt your leg, do not hesitate to say you hurt your leg. If your back is hurt – say so. Many injuries take days or weeks to cause pain or make it hard for you to move. You can have a serious injury to your spinal cord, experience slight or even no symptoms, and then suddenly, days later, be unable to get out of bed.

2. Do not make statements such as “I am drunk,” “I was on my cell phone,” “It is all my fault,” and “I am not hurt.” If you are in an auto accident, you may be stunned or even have a concussion without you knowing. Try not to make statements that may damage or destroy your car accident case.
3. Do not dispose of your vehicle. The vehicle itself may have a defect that caused the accident. Defects in the car’s tires, steering, or brakes can cause accidents without you even being aware of the defect. Also, the vehicle’s condition can tell investigators the speed, direction, and force exerted on the vehicle. Law enforcement conducts their investigation, but it can be beneficial to have an experienced auto accident investigator go over your car with a fine-tooth comb in a serious auto accident.
4. Do not try to settle your case without the help of an experienced, aggressive attorney. The insurance company employs tough professionals. Their job is to pay you as little settlement money as possible. One of the best ways is to offer you a full settlement agreement shortly after the accident. You may be tempted to take the money right away. If the settlement is fair, it will still be available after you have spoken to an experienced car crash accident attorney and seen a doctor. If you accept a low settlement offer, you are usually waiving any right to any further recovery.