5 Common Mistakes Personal Injury Clients Make
Anytime that you suffer injuries in an accident, it is easy to become overwhelmed. However, personal injury law is complex, stringent, and sets certain expectations for those that are filing a claim and/or pursuing a personal injury lawsuit. While it is understandable to make mistakes during a time of crisis, in many cases, the insurance companies, judges, and opposing attorneys will not go easy on you. If you have suffered an injury due to the negligence of another person or party, it is in your best interest to avoid the following five common mistakes that personal injury clients make. Learn more about personal injury law here.
1) Representing Yourself or Waiting Too Long to Hire an Attorney
You may have an ample amount of proof that the accident and subsequent injury were the result of the negligence of another party. However, that is typically not enough. Remember, you will be up against seasoned attorneys and claims adjusters that are representing the insurance company. Their motto is to win at all costs or at least spend as little money as possible on your claim. Like in most matters of the law, it is not recommended to represent yourself. Similarly, seeking legal advice well after an accident has occurred can negatively affect your likelihood of a successful insurance claim.
2) Delayed Medical Attention
Without the appropriate evidence of an injury, it can be difficult to convince an insurance company, judge, or jury that you deserve the compensation that you are seeking. After an accident has occurred, it is in your best interest to immediately seek medical attention. This is true even if you do not feel injured at the time. Due to the amount of adrenaline flowing through the bloodstream of accident victims, injuries can often be masked for hours or days. The longer you wait to seek medical attention, the more difficult it is to prove that your injuries occurred as a direct result of an accident.
3) Not Preserving Evidence
Your first thought after an accident occurs is likely not “I’ve got to collect evidence.” However, it should certainly be at the top of your mind. Collecting and preserving evidence such as pictures, videos, witness names, and contact information, etc. can be the deciding factor in whether or not you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries or nothing at all.
4) Settling Early
Insurance companies are businesses. Their objective is to spend less money than they make. In many cases, an insurance company will seek to make a quick offer and pressure accident victims to accept it as quickly as possible. This is because they are aware that they may have to pay much more if you hire an attorney. A seasoned personal injury lawyer will help you to understand the true value of your case and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.
5) Posting on Social Media Accounts
Social media is a part of the lives of most Americans in some way shape or form. However, after you have been injured in an accident, it is recommended that you stay off of social media (especially with regard to posting about your personal injury case). Otherwise, the insurance company lawyers may request access to what you have posted online and can use any pictures, videos, and/or statements that you have made against you. In the event that you are injured in an accident due to the fault of another person, it may be best to stay away from posting on your social media accounts until the case is resolved.