INTRODUCTION
You are in an accident. The scene is chaotic. Kids are crying. People are yelling. Traffic is backing up. You might be injured. You’re definitely confused.
This is not the ideal situation to attempt to make smart decisions or even know what to do next.
If you read this book, you’ll know exactly what to do—both to ensure the injured are cared for, and your legal rights are protected.
That’s why we wrote Dealing with the Aftermath: 7 Mistakes to Avoid Following a Florida Accident. Insurance companies count on accident victims making key mistakes that could hurt their chances of recovering fair compensation.
From calling the police to seeking medical attention, to not signing any documents without a skilled automobile accident attorney present, your rights are only protected if you have considered the implications of every step you take.
The accident scene is only the beginning of confusing situations you will confront. You will soon meet with an insurance adjuster— a pleasant, thoughtful person who appears genuinely concerned about your situation. Don’t be fooled.
Let’s face it—insurance companies make money—lots of money —by minimizing what they pay on accident claims just like yours.
How do they do this? By…
...Contacting you within hours or days following the accident and telling you your claim is invalid, or by offering a settlement far below what your claim is actually worth.
...Inserting language into the settlement you will sign that absolves them from future responsibilities.
...Not protecting your rights.
Don’t expect an insurance company to protect your rights. They will call you relentlessly after your accident—seemingly to ensure you’re OK—or that you are looking after your injuries.
Don’t trust the insurance company. What they’re looking out for is their bottom line and best interests—not yours.
That’s why you should hire an attorney skilled in accident and personal injury law. What you might not know to be “common sense” in an accident case is second nature to an experienced attorney. By calling an attorney, insurance adjusters by law cannot call you to discuss the case. The attorney can help ensure your car is repaired, your wages are covered, your bills are taken care of—especially if you are injured, in pain and have ongoing medical bills.
Attorneys and smart consumers have a saying: “Ignorance of the law is no excuse.” We wrote this book to help you learn your rights in the event of an accident. You now have everything you need to know, in one place.
Knowing your legal rights before you get behind the wheel—or climb into the passenger seat of someone else’s car—can protect you.
Most of all, don’t lose control of the situation—or your legal rights.