If you are involved in a Fort Lauderdale truck accident, the steps you take afterward can dramatically impact your health and the outcome of your claim for damages. Knowing what not to do after an accident is just as important as knowing what to do. The following actions can help you avoid some of the most common mistakes made by truck accident injury victims.
Do Not Admit Fault Or Apologize
This might be the hardest advice to follow, especially if you’re naturally polite or empathetic. When you see someone else injured or upset, your instinct is probably to apologize or say something comforting. Do not do it.
Even if you think you might have contributed to the accident, saying “I’m sorry” or “I should have seen you” can be interpreted as an admission of fault. Insurance companies and defense attorneys will absolutely use your words against you, even if you meant them as basic human kindness rather than an admission of wrongdoing.
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence system. If you’re found more than 50% at fault for the accident, you cannot recover any compensation. Even if you’re found partially at fault, your compensation will be reduced by that percentage. Every statement you make can affect these calculations.
Do Not Leave The Scene Without Calling The Police
Some people think that if everyone seems okay, there’s no need to get the police involved. This is a huge mistake, and in Florida, it’s actually illegal. Florida law requires you to call law enforcement if anyone is injured or if there’s significant property damage.
A police report is one of the most important pieces of evidence in a Fort Lauderdale automobile accident claim. It documents:
- The date, time, and exact location of the crash
- Weather and road conditions
- Statements from both drivers and witnesses
- The officer’s observations and professional assessment
- Any traffic violations or citations issued
- Contact and insurance information for all parties involved
Without a police report, the trucking company’s lawyers will claim the accident never happened, wasn’t serious, or was entirely your fault. You’ll have no official documentation to counter these claims.
Additionally, when police respond to a truck accident, they often notice things you might miss—like the truck driver showing signs of fatigue, the truck’s logbook irregularities, or vehicle maintenance issues. These observations end up in the police report and can be crucial evidence.
Do Not Skip Immediate Medical Treatment and Evaluation
Seek immediate medical attention, even if you do not think your injuries are severe. Some life-threatening conditions are not immediately apparent. Having a thorough medical evaluation immediately after the accident can help protect your health and your ability to recover compensation for your damages.
Do Not Talk To Insurance Adjusters Without An Attorney
You may receive a call from an insurance adjuster within hours of your accident. They will seem friendly, concerned, and helpful. They may tell you they just need to ask a few questions or get your side of the story. Insurance adjusters are not your friends, and they are definitely not trying to help you.
Insurance adjusters are trained professionals whose job is to pay out as little money as possible. Every question they ask is designed to gather information they can use to deny or minimize your claim. They are experts at getting you to say things that hurt your case.
Once you have hired an attorney, allow them to handle all communications with the insurance company.
Do Not Accept The First Settlement Offer
Insurance companies often make a quick settlement offer, hoping you will accept it before speaking to a lawyer and learning the actual value of your claim. Do not accept the first settlement offer.
In fact, you cannot know what a fair settlement of your claim would be until you have established all your current and future economic and non-economic damages and had them accurately valued by a professional. Your attorney can help you identify the actual value of your claim.
Do Not Post On Social Media While Your Claim Is Pending
Insurance adjusters often scrutinize social media posts made by injury victims and their family and friends, trying to find something to use against you so they can avoid or minimize paying your claim.
You should avoid social media and even ask your family and friends to refrain from posting anything about you while your claim is pending.
Do Not Try To Handle Your Claim Without An Attorney
Truck accident cases can be complex and often involve multiple parties, insurance companies, and lawyers. You need the help of an experienced Fort Lauderdale injury lawyer to help you secure maximum compensation for your damages. Call (954) 787-1500 or visit our contact page and schedule a free consultation to discuss your claim.