If you have been severely injured due to someone else’s negligence, you should file a personal injury claim immediately before the statute of limitations expires. The compensation from this claim can help you and your family cope with the financial burden associated with all the medical expenses for the treatment and lost wages due to missed workdays.
Getting treatment for any injury is most certainly not cheap, as the average cost of an ER visit is from $150 to $20,000, depending on the severity of the injuries incurred.
And while you’re at it, make sure you are aware of the common mistakes that can lower your chances of receiving the personal injury claim amount you deserve. Continue reading to learn about these mistakes in detail so that you can navigate these pitfalls carefully and increase the likelihood of receiving the claim amount that you’re entitled to receive.
Top Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Personal Injury Claim
Failing to Call the Police
Some people don’t know that, just like they call an ambulance after an accident, they must call the police. That’s right; when you call 911 for an ambulance, ask them to send a law enforcement officer to report the scene. A police report made right after the accident serves as a vital piece of evidence in establishing your case against the at-fault party.
The Traffic Collision Report filed by the police officer contains valuable observations and witness statements that could help with your claim.
Not Seeking Immediate Medical Aid
Even if you have incurred minor injuries or don’t feel pain after the accident, we recommend seeking immediate medical aid and get yourself thoroughly diagnosed. Some people avoid going to the doctor, thinking that medical care is expensive. This is a huge mistake. If you don’t seek prompt medical aid after the accident, you could derail your claim.
Remember that due to the adrenaline rush, you may not feel the pain temporarily from the injuries incurred after the accident. However, after a few days, as the high amount of adrenaline decreases, you may feel pain in different parts of your body.
If you wait to report your injuries several days after the accident, it will put the insurance company in a strong position. As a result, the insurance company may refuse to pay you a full compensation amount by claiming that another accident caused your injuries.
Divulging Details of Your Case on Social Media
As social media has become an essential part of life, many people may talk about their accidents on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. This is a risky move because whatever you say on social media can be used against you by the insurance company and the defense attorney to reduce your personal injury claim.
Even if your social media accounts are set private, they can find texts, pictures, and other material beneficial to their client. For instance, pictures of your recent activities or a smiling photo shared on social media after the accident can be used against you by the defense attorney or the insurance adjuster. They may use these to show that you aren’t as injured as you claim.
Signing Documents or Recording a Statement for the Insurance Company
Soon after the accident, you’re likely to be approached by a friendly insurance adjuster who may seem to be concerned about your injuries and health. However, the reality is that they are probably more interested in limiting their liability by persuading you to record statements or sign documents that they can later use to lower or even deny your compensation. Therefore, it is advisable to deal with them politely and ask them to speak with your personal injury attorney directly if they have any inquiries.
Do not record any statement or sign documents without consulting your attorney, no matter what they say to you. Let your attorney handle the case.
Failing to Follow Through With Your Medical Treatment
It is essential to understand that insurance companies are looking for a chance to minimize your personal injury claim amount. They are likely to deduct money if they find out that you didn’t follow through with the treatment. The gaps in the treatment, such as skipping doctor appointments or physical therapy, indicates to them that you’re completely healed and don’t need medical care.
We strongly recommend that you always follow your doctor’s advice and never miss your medical appointments or therapy sessions. If you stay committed to your treatment, it will show that you’re working hard to get better and require adequate care to recover from the injuries.
Not Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney
Since you’re already burdened with all the financial costs related to your medical treatment, the last thing you want is more expenses. Many people think of legal representation as an enormous expense. Thus, they prefer filing claims on their own. This overlooks the bigger picture. Dealing with insurance adjusters without legal help can be extremely difficult and, in some cases, downright impossible.
Without legal representation, your personal injury claim might be delayed, denied, or you may have to settle for a lower value than you deserve. However, if you have an attorney by your side, they will work hard to defend and protect your rights to help you fight for the compensation amount you deserve. The support and guidance of a litigator is a priceless asset. If you’re worried about legal expenses, then contact us.
At the Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor P.C., we offer legal services on a contingency basis. This means that you don’t pay a fee unless you’ve received your compensation. Our team of experienced and compassionate personal injury lawyers can handle all aspects of your case, from start to finish, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
