The world is a dangerous place and, whether we like to think about it or not, we have very little control over most areas of our lives. One minute you can be walking down a sidewalk and the next you could find yourself in pain after tripping over a curb. And that’s just one measly example. There are thousands of similar things that could happen to you on a daily basis – and there isn’t much you can do to avoid them. You can, however, control your response to these situations.
Don’t Make These Costly Mistakes
If you find yourself with a personal injury situation on your hands, it’s imperative that you don’t make random, chaotic choices. The more careful and meticulous you are in your approach, the stronger your case will be.
In particular, you should do everything within your power to avoid letting these costly mistakes ruin your case:
Not Seeking Immediate Medical Attention
“One of the biggest problems we see clients make is not seeking prompt medical attention after an injury,” Becker Law Office explains. “Not only is immediate care important in terms of treating your injuries, but it also helps establish your case. Delaying treatment will give the insurance company and responsible parties a chance to poke holes in your case.”
Even if you think your injuries are something you can treat on your own, it’s important that you see a doctor in order to establish a paper trail and get a documented diagnosis and plan of care.
Admitting Fault
Never, under any circumstances, admit guilt for any part of an accident you’re involved in. Even if you think you may have been partially to blame, it’s wise to keep your mouth shut until you speak with an attorney. Anything you say could water down your claim and make it difficult to receive the compensation you deserve.
Failing to Gather Details
Assuming that you’re physically able to, try and collect as much evidence as you possibly can prior to leaving the scene of the accident. This may include taking pictures, gathering contact information, writing down notes about what happened, and gathering evidence (such as clothing or personal items that were damaged).
It’s amazing how much you can forget after you leave the scene of an injury. It’s best to document this information while it’s fresh in your mind.
Not Hiring an Experienced Attorney
Attorneys are a dime a dozen these days – particularly in the personal injury space. If you wanted to, you could find two-dozen personal injury lawyers in your town within five minutes. The biggest mistake you can make is to select the first one you run across.
Any lawyer can buy a 30-second TV or radio spot and tell you why he’s the guy to represent you. Don’t get caught up in all of this. Instead, conduct a meticulous vetting process that prioritizes the right qualities and factors – such as experience.
An experienced attorney understands how insurance companies work, knows how to take a case to trial, and has a working knowledge of how cases like yours go (as opposed to just theoretical book knowledge). That’s what you need!
Handling Your Negotiations With the Insurance Company
When you have an injury case, it’s common for the responsible party’s insurance company to contact you and attempt to negotiate a settlement. The only problem is that they tend to make low-ball offers. Unless you have experience, you probably won’t know what your case is worth. Hang up and let your attorney handle these negotiations for you.
Not Following Doctor’s Instructions
It’s not enough to see a doctor. After leaving the care of your medical team, it’s imperative that you follow their instructions. In addition to helping you recover and feel better, following instructions shows that you’re doing everything you can to heal. This will help you in your case.
Be Smart With Your Case
You only get one crack at a solid personal injury claim. If you mess things up on the front end, your case will be significantly compromised on the back end. Be smart with the choices you make and always seek counsel from your attorney.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
