Injured In A Bradenton Car Accident? To Protect Your Rights To Compensation, Avoid These Common Mistakes

The moments after a car accident in Bradenton are often chaotic. Many drivers take the right steps at the scene, only to hurt their chances for compensation later by making mistakes during the claims process.

At the Law Office of Steven G. Lavely, we’ve seen how minor errors can have significant financial consequences. Our Bradenton car accident lawyer explains some of the most common and avoidable post-accident mistakes drivers make and how to protect your rights during recovery.

Your Actions After A Bradenton Car Accident Can Jeopardize Your Rights In A Claim

Between heavy traffic on Business 41 and other major roads throughout the area, car accidents in Bradenton are unfortunately common. Florida’s Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reports that as many as 6,000 crashes happen throughout Manatee County annually.

At the scene, it is vital to notify the police, exchange information with other motorists involved, and get medical attention for any injuries.

In the aftermath, the focus is on recovery. However, this is when a different kind of risk begins. Missteps in the days and weeks following can seriously jeopardize your rights to compensation, whether through insurers or a Bradenton car accident lawsuit. Common mistakes victims and their families often make include:

• Speaking to the other driver’s insurance adjuster without legal advice: Adjusters seem friendly, but they are trained to twist your words.
• Posting on social media: Photos, location tags, and status updates on your health can all be taken out of context and used to downplay your injuries.
• Delaying property damage inspections: Unseen structural issues can get worse and are harder to prove over time.
• Letting the insurer choose the repair shop without question. Insurance companies often push for shops in their network, where you are unlikely to get the most thorough or accurate repair appraisal.
• Underestimating the emotional toll. Anxiety, insomnia, and fear of driving again are all real side effects of crashes and compensable in a claim.

How To Protect Your Rights After A Bradenton Car Accident

Under Florida comparative negligence laws, minor post-crash missteps can jeopardize your rights to compensation. To protect your rights in the weeks after a car accident in Bradenton, take these steps:

• Refrain from giving recorded statements to insurers prior to speaking to a lawyer.
• Stay off social media, as even private accounts can be subpoenaed.
• Get a second opinion on vehicle damage.
• Document doctor appointments, missed workdays, repair estimates, and your symptoms.

To Prevent Costly Errors, Contact Our Experienced Bradenton Car Accident Lawyer

Car accident claims in Bradenton aren’t just about what happens at the scene. Insurance companies are counting on you to make mistakes, and your actions in the aftermath could jeopardize your rights to compensation.

At the Law Office of Steven G. Lavely, we help injury victims sidestep the traps and get the maximum amount they are entitled to and deserve. To prevent costly errors, contact our experienced Bradenton car accident lawyer today to schedule a consultation.

Sources:

flhsmv.gov/pdf/crashreports/crash_facts_2022.pdf

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0768/Sections/0768.81.html