Dos And Don’ts When Filing A Miami Personal Injury Claim
Personal injuries in Miami often happen in public places. Slips and falls at local stores or restaurants, fires and other hazards at hotels or condo complexes, and getting struck by or against objects in nightclubs and other entertainment venues are all common. In this situation, you may be entitled to compensation from the property owner. Our Miami personal injury lawyer has some important dos and don’ts when filing a claim.
What To Do When Personal Injuries In Miami Happen
According to the Florida Department of Health, close to 1,000 people are victims of personal injuries in Miami-Dade County each year. Slips and falls, getting struck by or against objects, and burn injuries are among the most common causes.
When these and other types of accidents happen, you are entitled under the Florida Statutes to hold those at fault accountable. You may be able to get compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs through insurance policies the property owner has in place. Doing the following can protect both your health and your rights in filing a claim:
- Do report the incident to onsite security, the property owner, or the police;
- Do make sure an accident report is filed and includes details such as when and where it happened and who was involved;
- Do gather evidence from the scene, such as pictures or videos and contact information for witnesses;
- Do seek immediate medical attention and follow your doctor’s instructions regarding treatment and activity restrictions.
What Not To Do If You Are An Accident Victim
Knowing what to do in the aftermath of an accident can help protect your rights to compensation. It is important to be aware that insurers involved will be looking for ways to either deny or downplay your claim. Knowing what not to do can help protect your rights as well:
- Do not discuss what happened with friends or acquaintances;
- Do not post about the incident on social media, which is one of the first places insurance companies look to gather evidence needed to deny claims;
- Do not make any statements to the insurer admitting blame;
- Do not accept a settlement before discussing it with our personal injury lawyer first.
You have just one chance to get compensation for personal injuries. Once you accept an insurance settlement offer, you waive the right to any future claims. Our Miami personal injury lawyer can negotiate with claims representatives on your behalf to get the maximum amount you are entitled to. If your claim is denied or disputed, we can represent you in filing a personal injury lawsuit against those involved through the Miami-Dade County Civil Court.
Request A Consultation With Our Miami Personal Injury Lawyer Today
At Pita Weber & Del Prado, we help victims of personal injuries in Miami get the maximum amount of compensation. Before speaking to insurers or accepting any settlements, call 305-670-2889 or contact us online and request a consultation with our Miami personal lawyer first.
Sources:
miamidade.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/wellness-programs/injury-and-violence-prevention/injury-data.html
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0768/Sections/0768.81.html
miamidadeclerk.gov/ocs/
