Personal injury claims allow those who have been injured in an accident to secure monetary compensation for their damages. If you have been injured in an accident due to the negligence of another party, you need to take steps to increase your chances of getting a positive outcome. This includes learning about the common mistakes claimants make and working with a reliable personal injury attorney. You should
click here to find the right attorney to entrust your case to. To maximize your possible compensation, below are mistakes you should avoid at all costs:
Not Seeking Medical Attention
Especially after a serious accident, seeking immediate medical attention is important both for your health and your possible legal claim. By seeing a doctor after an accident, you create an important record of your possible injuries and their seriousness. Otherwise, an insurance company can use this against your claim, arguing that your injuries do not have to do with the accident or that they may not be as serious as you claim.
Not Preserving Evidence
To succeed in your injury case, you need to secure solid evidence to prove the occurrence of the accident, the liability of the defendant, the existence of your injuries and their link to the accident, and the impacts of these injuries on your life. But you should be able to preserve evidence before it disappears. This means taking photos or videos of the accident scene, including any visible injury and the condition responsible for the accident. Also, you should collect the contact information of any witness, so your attorney can get their statements later. In addition, you must record all related documents like medical bills, correspondence with insurers, and police reports.
Giving Recorded Statements to an Insurer Without an Attorney
Insurance companies may assign an insurance adjuster to handle your claim. This adjuster may approach you right away and request a recorded statement from you. Although this statement may seem harmless, the adjuster can twist and use it against your claim. Make sure to speak with an attorney first before you give a recorded statement to the adjuster. They can help protect your rights and avoid saying something that can ruin your claim.
Settling the Claim Too Quickly
Following an accident, the insurer may pressure you into settling the claim quickly. As you face stain because of medical bills and lost income, this pressure can be overwhelming. But setting too quickly without determining the extent of your damages and the impacts of your injuries on your life can lead to inadequate compensation. Consult with a lawyer first before you accept a settlement offer from the insurer.