Three Things Not to Say at the Scene of a Semi-Truck Accident in Florida
Involved in a crash with an eighteen wheeler in Miami or elsewhere in South Florida? You need to take a proactive approach to protect your health, well-being, and your legal rights. That starts at the scene of the crash itself. Knowing what NOT to say can make the difference. Here, our Miami truck accident attorney highlights three of the most notable things that you should NOT say at the scene of a crash in Florida.
- “Sorry, that Was My Fault”
Florida has a no-fault law for motor vehicle collisions, including semi-truck accidents. Nonetheless, you should still never admit fault at the scene of a semi-truck accident in Florida. If a crash results in serious injuries, there can be a fault-based claim. Given that potential, it is important to avoid saying or doing anything that may imply that you bear responsibility. Indeed, even a simple and seemingly innocuous statement like “sorry” can be interpreted as an admission of fault. Unfortunately, those simple words at the scene could potentially later be used against you in an insurance claim. Fault is complex. It is not something for you to weigh in on. Let your Miami truck accident lawyer handle it.
- “No Need to Call the Police”
All injury crashes in Florida should be reported to law enforcement. Beyond that, truck accidents that result in any significant property damage to your vehicle also need to be reported. Never suggest (or agree) that there is no need to contact law enforcement. Saying “no need to call the police” can backfire. It could actually undermine your ability to get financial compensation for your damages. Without an official report, critical evidence may be lost. That means that it may become your word against the truck driver’s. A police report creates a neutral, third-party record of the incident. It is a foundational document for any truck accident injury claim in Florida.
- “I Feel Okay, No Bad Injuries”
You do not want to downplay the existence or severity of your injuries at the scene of a truck accident, even if you are only doing so subtly. The scene of a truck accident is stressful, chaotic, and even overwhelming. Adrenaline can mask pain. Further, many of the most common truck accident injuries (whiplash, concussions, internal trauma, etc) do not show symptoms right away. In other words, you may be more badly hurt than you initially realize. If you say you are uninjured, that statement may be used later to dispute your claim. It could even cause you problems in your no-fault Personal Injury Protection (PIP) claim.
Contact Our Miami, FL Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer Today
At Pike & Lustig, LLP, our Miami, FL semi-truck accident attorney is committed to providing proactive, justice-focused advocacy to victims and their families. If your or your loved one was hurt in a bad wreck, we are here to help. Contact us today for a free, no obligation case evaluation. We fight for justice for truck accident victims throughout all of South Florida.
