Believe it or not, there are certain rules of thumb when it comes to dealing with a car accident. Follow along to find out what errors to avoid and how an experienced Panama City car accident attorney at Manuel & Thompson, PA can guide you through your legal action.
What errors should I avoid making after my car accident?
After a car accident, the errors one may make have a lot to do with failing to collect a sufficient amount of evidence for their future personal injury claim. This is why it is in your best interest to avoid the following mistakes:
- Neglecting to call law enforcement officers to the scene of your accident; which means being unable to have a copy of an accident.
- Forgetting to exchange information with the other driver(s) involved; which means being unable to reach out to their insurance company for a claim.
- Failing to speak with present witnesses at the scene of your accident; which means being unable to receive testimonies in your favor.
- Denying medical treatment from emergency first responders at the scene of your accident; which means being unable to receive medical documentation on your injuries.
What actions may bar my opportunity to take legal action?
While some actions may hinder your chances of having a successful case, other actions may bar your opportunity to take legal action altogether.
For one, you must not immediately flee the scene of your accident. This may be considered a hit-and-run in the state of Florida. So, this may have you become the defendant in a criminal proceeding rather than a plaintiff in a personal injury claim proceeding. That said, a hit-and-run charge may carry the following penalties:
- If your accident resulted in property damage:
- Fines of up to $500.
- Up to 60 days in jail.
- If your accident resulted in serious injury:
- Fines of up to $5,000.
- Up to five years in prison.
- A revoked driver’s license for at least three years.
- If your accident resulted in death:
- Fines of up to $10,000.
- A mandatory prison sentence of anywhere between four to 30 years.
- A revoked driver’s license for at least three years.
Secondly, you must not accidentally admit fault to the other driver(s) or the law enforcement officer(s). This is because, with the state of Florida’s modified comparative negligence law, you do not have a case if you are found to be more than 50 percent at fault for your accident.
Lastly, you must not miss the statute of limitations for your personal injury claim. This deadline is generally two years from the date of your accident.
When it comes to your personal injury claim, you need one of the skilled Panama City auto accident attorneys by your side. This is why you must contact Manuel & Thompson, PA as soon as possible.
