If you've been hurt in an accident, you may be wondering what steps you can take to increase the likelihood that your claim for personal injury compensation will be approved.
Unfortunately, there are a number of mistakes that have the potential to have an effect on the result of your claim. It is vital to be aware of these errors so that you can avoid making them yourself, and it is also necessary to be aware of the possible consequences that they might have.
The following are seven blunders that, if committed, might have a negative effect on your personal injury claim:
1. Not Seeking Medical Attention Right Away
One of the biggest mistakes you can make after an accident is failing to seek medical attention right away. Even if you don't think you're seriously injured, it's important to see a doctor as soon as possible. This is because some injuries, such as whiplash, may not present symptoms until days or even weeks after the accident. If you wait too long to see a doctor, the insurance company may try to argue that your injuries are not related to the accident.
2. Not Following Your Doctor's Orders
Another mistake that could potentially affect your personal injury claim is failing to follow your doctor's orders. It's important to follow any and all treatment recommendations from your doctor in order to ensure a full and speedy recovery. Additionally, failure to comply with your doctor's orders may be used as evidence that your injuries are not as serious as you claim.
3. Giving a Recorded Statement to the Insurance Company
It's also important that you avoid giving a recorded statement to the insurance company without first consulting with an attorney. The insurance adjuster may try to get you to say something that could be used against you later on. For example, if you say that you're not sure how the accident happened, the insurance company could try to use this to argue that you're not entirely certain that their insured is at fault.
4. Not Keeping Track of Your Expenses
Another mistake that could potentially affect your personal injury claim is failing to keep track of your expenses. This includes any medical bills, lost wages, or other out-of-pocket expenses that are a direct result of the accident. Without documentation of these expenses, it will be difficult to recover compensation for them.
5. Not Hiring an Attorney
Many people choose to handle their personal injury claims on their own, but this is often a mistake. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the legal process, obtain evidence to support your claim, and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.
6. Accepting a Quick Settlement
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is accepting a quick settlement from the insurance company. In many cases, these settlements are far less than what you actually deserve. An experienced attorney can help you determine the full value of your claim and fight for the compensation you deserve.
7. Failing to Comply with Deadlines
Finally, it's important that you comply with all deadlines associated with your personal injury claim. These deadlines can vary depending on the state in which the accident occurred and the type of claim you're filing. If you fail to meet these deadlines, you may lose your right to file a claim or recover compensation.
If you've been injured in an accident, it's important to avoid making any of these mistakes. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
