Leaf through the pages of your local newspaper, turn on the news, or check out your social media account. Chances are you will see at least one report of a car accident, because they happen on an almost daily basis. Every accident is unique, and each survivor has their own story.
If you have been lucky enough to never have been involved in a wreck, it’s important that you don’t buy into the misconceptions surrounding car accidents and your rights. As Pensacola car accident attorneys, we’ve heard them all. Here are some of the most prevalent.
People tend to believe that they have to suffer catastrophic or immediately apparent injuries in order to be able to file a personal injury lawsuit later. This isn’t true. Medical and legal professionals understand that it can take days or weeks for injuries to become apparent.
It’s still a good idea to seek medical attention following an accident even if you don’t feel hurt. A doctor may be able to diagnose something you aren’t aware of or, at the very least, tell you what to be on the lookout for with regards to symptoms that may appear in the days after your accident.
It’s a good idea to talk to a Pensacola car accident lawyer the moment you realize you’ve been injured.
Some people are just nice. Others don’t want the hassle of a court case. Still others feel that it is only “those people” who file personal injury claims. But when there’s an injury, it’s important to avoid speaking to the insurance company unless you’ve contacted an experienced attorney.
A minor scratch might be okay to try to work out on your own, but if you’re involved in anything serious, it’s important to hire a Pensacola car accident attorney.
The police may respond to your accident and complete a report, but that doesn’t mean that they are going to determine fault immediately. Serious accidents often require an investigation, and insurance companies may not agree with the findings.
Don’t assume that all accidents are cut and dry. There are too many factors that go into more serious collisions that can complicate the determination of fault.
You may think that your insurance company has your best interests in mind. After all, you’ve reliably paid your premiums every month and never filed a claim. Don’t expect the insurance company to have your interests in mind. They are a business. The typical insurance company will work to pay out as little as possible.
Never assume that the first settlement offer is the one you deserve or the one that is fair. Because most Pensacola personal injury attorneys offer a free case evaluation, it may be a good idea to have a legal expert review a settlement offer before you accept it.
Insurance companies hire expert lawyers. Do you really want to go up against them on your own? Car accident cases can be intricate and nuanced. If you take your own case to court, you may be doing yourself a disservice.
An experienced attorney knows when to call expert witnesses and how to fight insurance companies. It’s what they do for a living. You may not receive the best settlement offer if you try to do things on your own.
When you are hurt in a car accident, you have rights. A Pensacola car accident attorney can help you protect those rights. Reach out to our office today to schedule your free case evaluation.
We are here to stand up for the rights of victims throughout the city. We understand what you are dealing with and want to offer our assistance. Call us today at (850) 444-4878.