Rear-end collisions are unfortunately very common in the sunshine state. Rear-end accidents can leave victims with life-altering injuries and pain for many years, which is why you may want to consider filing a personal injury lawsuit. In fact, check out this site here to read more facts on rear-end car accidents.
Any Jacksonville car accident attorney will tell you that rear-end collisions can be more serious than simply being labeled as a “fender-bender.”
Additionally, many people fall for various misconceptions associated with rear-end accidents. It’s important to be educated when it comes to filing a claim regarding an injury post rear-end accident, or if you’re seeking compensation for your injuries.
Consulting with a Jacksonville attorney as soon as possible after a rear-end accident might be one of the best moves you make after an accident, and might even be the best thing you can do to turn your life around. By doing so, you ensure you’re clear about your rights, responsibilities and legal options going forward.
Read on to learn more about the worst advice you might ever receive associated with a rear-end car accident.
You Don’t Need to Get Medical Attention after a Rear-End Collision
In some instances, the damage to your vehicle may appear minor, and you might be tempted to forgo medical treatment entirely. This is always a bad idea.
It could end up costing you down the road if you do experience serious pain or other side effects days, or even weeks after the accident. Symptoms can take time to surface, and some serious head injuries cannot be identified immediately.
Speaking with a doctor as soon as possible after you have been rear-ended is the most important thing you can do for your own health—even if you suspect that the accident has not left you with any critical injuries.
You Can Handle the Situation on Your Own with the Other Party
If the other party involved is at fault for the accident, they may attempt to work with you on your own. For example, they may offer you cash, or ask that you provide a recorded statement to their insurance company.
This is never a good idea as you may do so without understanding all of your rights. You could potentially end up compromising the integrity of your car accident claim.
Instead, you should work directly with your Jacksonville car accident attorney to determine whether a settlement is in your best interest.
A cash settlement may be appealing upfront, but may not be in your best interest for the long term. You could walk away without full compensation based on the extent of your injuries.
Also, if an injury settlement is offered, the amount could be far less than what you might be entitled to and would have received if the claim were to go to court.
A knowledgeable Jacksonville car accident lawyer can help you consider all of the factors that might influence a final settlement amount.
You Don’t Need a Jacksonville Car Accident Attorney
In the event that you do decide to move forward with a personal injury claim, don’t fall for the myth that you don’t need a personal injury attorney to help you.
A car accident attorney in Jacksonville can assist with various aspects of your claim including:
- Working with the insurance companies
- Collecting evidence
- Helping you navigate the legal system
- Working through settlement negotiations
- Preparing your case for trial
The only way to increase your chances of the best possible outcome in a rear-end collision case like this is to retain an attorney as soon as possible.
Only a lawyer can tell you about all of your options and help you make an informed decision about what is best for your future.
What constitutes a personal injury?
The most common personal injury is an auto accident, but the broad definition encompasses any situation where a person suffers harm due to the negligence of another person or entity. Early identification of a personal injury is important to the legal process. Many serious injuries occur each year involving:
– Auto accidents
– Premises liability accidents such as injuries caused by a slip and fall
– Medical malpractice/nursing home injuries
– Wrongful death
– Work-related accidents
– Animal attacks
– Faulty or malfunctioning products (product liability)