Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid After a St. Augustine Car Accident

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Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid After a St. Augustine Car Accident

Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid After a St. Augustine Car Accident

By:  St. Augustine’s Largest Law Firm

Car accidents can be overwhelming and disorienting. One wrong move after a crash can jeopardize your health, your finances, and your legal rights. At St. Johns Law Group, our experienced St. Augustine car accident lawyers have helped countless victims recover the compensation they deserve—and we’ve seen firsthand the costly mistakes people make in the aftermath of a collision.

12 Attorneys and 265+ Years of Combined Experience

Whether you were hit on US-1, A1A, I-95, or in downtown St. Augustine, here are the top five mistakes to avoid after a car accident in Northeast Florida:

1. Failing to Call the Police

Even if the damage seems minor or the other driver begs you not to involve law enforcement, always call the police. A police report serves as an official record of the accident and can be crucial to proving fault. Without it, it may be your word against the other driver’s.

Tip: Ask the responding officer how to get a copy of the accident report from the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office or Florida Highway Patrol.

2. Not Seeking Immediate Medical Attention

Many injuries—such as whiplash, concussions, and soft tissue damage—don’t show symptoms right away. If you delay treatment, insurance companies may argue your injuries are unrelated to the crash.

Florida’s 14-Day Rule: You must seek medical treatment within 14 days to qualify for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits under Florida law.

3. Admitting Fault at the Scene

You may feel tempted to apologize or admit partial fault out of politeness—but don’t. Statements made at the scene can be used against you later. Instead, stick to the facts when speaking to the other driver, the police, or witnesses.

Pro Tip: Let your car accident attorney in St. Augustine handle all communication with insurers or opposing parties.

4. Talking to the Insurance Company Without a Lawyer

Insurance adjusters often sound friendly, but their goal is to limit payouts. They may try to record your statement, get you to downplay your injuries, or pressure you into a quick (and low) settlement.

Before giving a recorded statement or signing any paperwork, consult with a personal injury attorney who understands Florida’s no-fault insurance laws and comparative negligence rules.

5. Delaying Legal Representation

The longer you wait to contact a lawyer, the harder it may be to collect evidence, contact witnesses, or protect your rights. Surveillance footage can be lost, crash debris cleaned up, and memories fade. Early representation gives your attorney time to build a strong claim and negotiate on your behalf.

At St. Johns Law Group, we offer free consultations and handle car accident cases on a contingency fee basis—meaning you don’t pay unless we win.

Avoiding These Mistakes Can Make All the Difference

After a crash, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But with the right legal guidance, you can avoid these common pitfalls and focus on your recovery. Let our team help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Areas We Serve

At St. Johns Law Group, we proudly represent car accident victims throughout St. Johns County and the surrounding regions. With deep roots in the local community, our attorneys understand the roads, neighborhoods, and legal environment unique to Northeast Florida. We regularly serve clients in:

  • St. Augustine

  • St. Augustine Beach

  • Vilano Beach

  • Anastasia Island

  • Nocatee

  • Ponte Vedra

  • Ponte Vedra Beach

  • Julington Creek

  • Fruit Cove

  • Crescent Beach

  • Palm Coast

  • Flagler Beach

  • Hastings

  • Elkton

  • World Golf Village

  • Durbin Crossing

  • SilverLeaf

  • Bartram Trail

  • Green Cove Springs

  • Fleming Island

  • Jacksonville (Southside, Baymeadows, Mandarin, and North St. Johns County area)

We are also available to handle serious injury cases across Duval County, Flagler County, Clay County, and Putnam County.

No matter where your accident occurred—whether on I-95, US-1, A1A, SR 207, SR 312, or a neighborhood street—our team is ready to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

📞 Call Today for a Free Consultation

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, Palm Coast, or anywhere in Northeast Florida, contact St. Johns Law Group today. Our experienced attorneys are here to help.

Call: (904) 495-0400
Email: info@sjlawgroup.com
Address: 104 Sea Grove Main St, St. Augustine, FL 32080