Top Mistakes Car & Motorcycle Accident Victims Make to Hurt Their Own Case

1. Talking About Your Case

   Do NOT discuss your case with an insurance adjustor (yours or theirs), the at-fault driver's attorney, witnesses, even the driver themselves. If any of these people want to talk about what happened, have them contact your attorney.

2. Signing Paperwork or Releases

   Never sign ANY paperwork without your attorney seeing it first, because the fine print could kill your case. You could release all of your private medical records or sign away your rights to a trial or a settlement. Your signature is a powerful legal tool, so be careful of how you use it.


3. Taking a Quick Settlement

   If you don't have an attorney, some insurance companies may offer to send you a check along with "release" paperwork to sign. If you cash this check or sign the "releases," you've likely just signed away all your rights to file a future injury claim. Accept nothing until your attorney reviews the offer first. A quick offer is often a sign that you have a compelling case.

4. Blogging, Posting, or Discussing Your Accident Online

   If it's on the web, it's out in the public and defense attorneys and insurance adjustors can use this information against you in court. They will look for photos or posts to prove that you're not as hurt as you say you are. Don't assume your facebook or twitter accounts are private, because they're not.

5. Not Going to the Doctor Right Away

   If you wait to get medical attention, it can be used against you to show that your injuries aren't severe. Go to the doctor immediately. Document any pain or injuries you have. And don't skip doctor's appointments, because that's also evidence that you may not be hurt as badly as you say.

6. Hiring the Wrong Attorney

   An attorney who's good at marketing might not be the right attorney for your case. Make sure you find a local attorney with extensive experience in accident litigation, like Buckman and Buckman, P.A. We promise to make your case our most important case.

If you've been hurt in a car accident recently, you should talk to a car accident lawyer immediately. For a free case evaluation contact Buckman and Buckman, P.A. at (941) 923-7700, e-mail us, or fill out the confidential case evaluation form on our Contact Us page.