Many car accidents may seem minor. Especially when signs along the roadway say things like, “Pull vehicles to the side of the road in minor incidents.” If the DOT calls it minor, why should we make a big deal out of it? Should I get a lawyer after a car accident? What if the fender-bender was a small affair? Wouldn’t I be wasting my time and money with a lawyer?
Many people simply make sure there are no apparent injuries, exchange contact and insurance information and then keep moving. That’s what insurance is for, right? Sadly, this is where real problems can begin.
Legal Concerns
The State of Florida requires car accidents that meet certain criteria be reported to law enforcement. Officers are then required to complete a specific type of accident report. Even in the case of a minor accident, it could meet or exceed the requirements for reporting to law enforcement. Avoiding this could result in fines or other legal penalties.
In some cases, not reporting an accident to law enforcement and obtaining a legal accident report can allow your insurance company to reject your damage claim. Without a legal report, they have no way of verifying what actually happened, or their responsibility to pay a damage claim.
Moreover, that nice person who smiled and exchanged information with you before driving away has now filed a suit against you with an attorney. Who will protect your rights in the ensuing legal action and accident investigation?
Hidden Injuries
Hidden injuries that only reveal themselves days or even weeks after a car accident are common. The human body is complex, and our fight-or-flight mechanism that kicks in during times of stress or danger can hide pain or other symptoms at the time immediately after an accident. You should always be examined by a medical professional after an accident, even if it is just to establish a timeline in case hidden injuries reveal themselves later.
The other parties to the accident could also have hidden injuries that only become evident in the days or weeks following. How do you know if these claims are legitimate? An experienced car accident attorney can protect your rights while working to establish the facts surrounding your accident. He or she can also be invaluable if your insurance company balks at covering medical expenses for hidden injuries.
You have no way of knowing if you will be in a car accident in Tampa or what will result after the incident is over. An experienced Tampa car accident injury lawyer from Ligori & Ligori can help protect your rights and represent your interests with insurance companies and other entities. Don’t hesitate, wondering if you should call a lawyer after a car accident. You should always take every precaution to protect yourself and your interests after any vehicle accident, even a minor fender-bender.
Contact Ligori & Ligori as soon as possible after a car accident for legal advice and protection. Your initial consultation is free and your legal expenses could also be covered, depending on the nature of the accident.
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