Many people don’t spend their lives preparing for the day when they get into an accident. Unfortunately, accidents can occur at any time. When that happens, most of us won’t know how to handle the situation perfectly. This uncertainty can lead to critical mistakes that can have a negative influence on a personal injury claim.
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In this article, we are going to discuss some of the common mistakes that can impact your personal injury claim and how to avoid them.
Delaying in Seeking Medical Care
After getting injured in an accident, most people delay getting medical care. This can worsen their injuries and make it difficult to prove the severity and extent of their injuries.
The defendant’s insurance company will argue that the victim’s injuries are unrelated to the accident or that they are not as serious as they claim. That’s why it is important to consult a doctor immediately after the accident.
Not Reporting the Accident to the Police
If you fail to report the accident to the police, it becomes harder to prove your personal injury claim. So report the accident to the police and get a copy of the police report.
The police report is an important piece of evidence that can support your personal injury claim and show who was negligent in the accident. Here are the things that are included in the police report:
- The location, date, and time of the accident
- The names and contact details of the parties involved
- The witnesses’ statements
- The weather and road conditions
- The damage to the vehicles
- The injuries sustained
Giving Statements to the Insurance Company
After an accident, you will be contacted by the insurance company of the at-fault party and asked to give a statement about the accident. You should be very careful about what you say to the insurance company, as they may use your words against you and try to reduce or deny your claim. The insurance company is not on your side. Their goal is to pay you as little as possible.
Therefore, you should avoid giving any statements to the insurance company without consulting your attorney first. Your attorney can advise you on what to say and what not to say and will handle all communication with the insurance company on your behalf.
Using Social Media
If you are pursuing a personal injury claim, you should be very careful about what you post on social media, as it may affect your case. The insurance company or the defendant may monitor your social media activity and use it as evidence to challenge your claim.
For instance, they may use your videos, photos, comments, or likes to show that your injuries are not as serious as you claim, that you are not following your doctor’s orders, or that you are engaging in activities that contradict your claim.
Not Hiring a Lawyer
Some people may think that they can manage their personal injury claim on their own. However, this is a risky decision that can cost a lot of money and time.
To deal with a personal injury claim, you should have more knowledge about the legal system. It is always better to hire a personal injury attorney to avoid unnecessary stress and costly mistakes. An experienced lawyer can help you with all aspects of your personal injury claim.
Final Thoughts
It is not easy to deal with a personal injury claim. You should keep in mind all the factors that can affect the outcome of your case. You can increase your chances of obtaining a fair and favorable settlement with legal assistance.
