Common Mistakes Personal Injury Clients Make

In the wake of a personal injury, it is understandable if you feel disoriented, confused, and overwhelmed. Often, it can be tricky to figure out what to do next because the incident that resulted in a personal injury is unexpected and unpredictable.

Also, unless you are a seasoned personal injury lawyer, it is likely that you don’t know how to go about processing your settlement claim. If anything, the state and insurance company regulations can be a hurdle for many.

Aside from getting the help of a competent personal injury lawyer, below are common mistakes you should avoid to ensure you can maximize your personal injury claim:

Mistake #01: Not Getting Appropriate Medical Attention

If you are injured, it is important that you seek medical treatment from the nearest urgent care or ER asap. Even if you feel fine, you might suffer from side effects of injuries that are not attended to right away.

Also, you will need a formal medical record of your injuries so it can be included in your settlement case. This is important so you will be reimbursed for your medical bills once you receive your settlement.

Mistake #02: Accepting a Settlement Too Early

If you get injured, it is recommended that you do not accept money from the other party. In most cases, the cash offered can hardly cover your current and future expenses. This can also hinder you from receiving the proper settlement later on.

In some cases, your insurance company may also offer a lump sum amount upfront. Consult with your personal injury lawyer first, as the amount offered might not be enough to cover your injuries, suffering, and ongoing costs.

Mistake #03: Giving the Other Party’s Insurance Provider Too Much Information

There are instances when the other party’s insurance company might contact you and try to get additional information from you. Unfortunately, the information might be used against you once you try to obtain your personal injury compensation.

It is important to keep in mind that any information you provide can be used to create an argument against you. The insurance company may also use the information in court if you try to sue when a settlement cannot be negotiated.

Mistake #04: Not Documenting Enough Evidence

Ideally, you need to take pictures of your injuries as well as the scene where the incident occurred. As a general rule of thumb, document any details or evidence that you think might help your case. Remember that evidence is one of the crucial aspects of filing a settlement claim.

Also, your evidence needs to match up with your version of what happened. You have a huge chance of obtaining the highest amount of settlement once your attorney can estimate the costs and negotiate with the other parties using the evidence you have.

Mistake #05: Posting About the Accident on Social Media

Many people feel they need to let others into what is going on in their lives by sharing things on social media. However, posting things about the incident might sabotage your chances of getting the compensation you deserve.

It is likely that your personal injury lawyer will warn you not to discuss any details of the case with your friends and family online or offline so heed their advice. Discussing details of your personal injury case might reveal issues that can jeopardize your case.

Final Thoughts

If you have made any of the mistakes mentioned above, talk to your lawyer right away. This is crucial so you will be given guidance on what to do and the right strategy to use.

Contact The Jones Firm today to schedule a free case review.