If you’ve been injured in an accident, your personal injury case may be your best chance to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. However, even small mistakes can jeopardize your case and cost you the settlement you deserve. At Carlson Meissner Hayslett, we represent clients throughout Florida and operate offices in Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Spring Hill, New Port Richey, and Bradenton, making us uniquely positioned to help clients statewide.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the five biggest mistakes personal injury victims make and how to avoid them to protect your case and maximize your compensation.
- Not Seeking Medical Attention Immediately: Insurance companies often argue that delayed medical treatment indicates your injuries weren’t serious or weren’t caused by the accident. For this reason, you should seek medical attention right away, even if you feel fine. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms immediately. Additionally, it’s crucial to comply with all of your doctor’s treatment recommendations, including physical therapy and follow-up visits.
- Talking to the Insurance Company Without a Lawyer: Insurance adjusters are trained to protect their company’s interests, not yours. Anything you say to them could be misrepresented to devalue or deny your claim. Allow your attorney to handle all communication with the insurance company, and never give a recorded statement or sign any settlement offers without consulting your lawyer first.
- Posting on Social Media About Your Case: Insurance companies and their attorneys monitor social media to find evidence to use against you. Even a simple post, such as “Feeling better today!” can be taken out of context to argue that your injuries aren’t severe. For this reason, avoid posting anything about your accident, injuries, or case on social media. Set your accounts to private, and ask friends and family not to tag you in posts or photos.
- Not Documenting the Accident and Your Injuries: Without proper documentation, proving liability and damages becomes significantly harder. A lack of evidence can make it easier for the insurance company to deny or undervalue your claim. Be sure to take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage. Gather contact information from witnesses and keep a journal detailing your pain, treatment, and how your injuries affect your daily life.
- Accepting the First Settlement Offer: Insurance companies often present lowball settlement offers initially, hoping you’ll accept before fully understanding the extent of your injuries or damages. Once you accept, you forfeit the right to seek additional compensation. Always consult your attorney before accepting any settlement offer. Your lawyer will negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Carlson Meissner Hayslett for Your Personal Injury Case?
At Carlson Meissner Hayslett, we bring decades of experience to helping personal injury victims across Florida recover the compensation they deserve. Whether you’re near one of our offices in Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Spring Hill, New Port Richey, or Bradenton, or anywhere else in the state, we are ready to assist you.
Our proven track record includes securing millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients. With multiple offices for in-person meetings and the option for virtual consultations, we make it convenient to get the support you need. Plus, you won’t pay us unless we successfully recover compensation on your behalf.
FAQs About Personal Injury Cases
Q: How much is my personal injury case worth?
The value depends on the severity of your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our attorneys can provide a free case evaluation to estimate your claim’s value.
Q: How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Florida?
Florida’s statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is two years from the date of the accident. Don’t wait—contact us immediately to protect your rights.
Q: What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Florida uses a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you can recover compensation if you were less than 50% at fault. Your settlement will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Contact Us Today to Protect Your Case
If you’ve been injured in an accident, don’t let avoidable mistakes jeopardize your future. At Carlson Meissner Hayslett, we’re committed to helping clients across Florida navigate their personal injury claims with confidence and success.
Call us at 1-800-LAW-5655 or visit CarlsonMeissner.com to schedule your free consultation.
