If you’ve been injured due to a car crash, slip and fall accident, medical malpractice, or even a dog bite, filing a personal injury claim can help you recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. However, even a strong personal injury claim can be weakened by simple mistakes. Some of which could cost you thousands of dollars in fees or even a denied claim.
To help avoid these costly blunders, let’s break down common mistakes that can hurt your personal injury claim and what you should do instead.
1. Not Seeking Medical Attention Immediately
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is delaying medical treatment, or not receiving treatment at all, after an injury. Not only is this dangerous, as an injury has the potential to get worse without medical assistance, but it can be costly in the long run too.
In regards to filing a personal injury claim without having sought immediate medical attention, your insurer may believe that your injury wasn’t serious because treatment wasn’t immediately given – or that your injury is completely unrelated to the accident.
As a rule of thumb, see a doctor as soon as possible after an incident, even if you don’t believe that your injuries are severe. There are a number of unseen injuries, like a concussion and internal damage that may not be immediately obvious, but can get worse over time. Be sure to keep copies of any medical records and bills that you receive as evidence.
2. Failing to Gather Evidence at the Scene
In the aftermath of an accident, you’re certain to feel overwhelmed and even scared, which may cause you to miss this crucial step – gathering evidence. Failing to collect the appropriate evidence after an injury can make it difficult to prove your claim. Not taking photos, witness statements, or collecting other relevant documentation can harm your claim – when these pieces of evidence actually help to establish fault and prove your claim to be true.
After an accident, if you are able, take pictures of the scene, damages, and any visible physical injuries that you may have sustained. If there are any witnesses to the accident, it’s important to get their contact information. If you find yourself having been injured in a car accident, call the police and get a copy of the accident report for record keeping.
3. Giving a Recorded Statement to the Insurance Company
Insurance adjusters are here to help you in difficult moments, such as accidents, but ultimately their job is to save the insurance company money. You will have to give an insurance adjuster a recorded statement after an accident, but there may be a chance that your statement could be used against you later. It is best to direct all communication to your attorney if you have one. Your lawyer will help make sure that your statements are carefully worded to protect your claim.
4. Waiting Too Long to File a Claim
Every state has their own statute of limitations, which is a deadline for filing a personal injury claim. If you wait too long to file a personal injury claim, you could lose your right to seek compensation entirely. Additionally, waiting to take action can make it harder to gather evidence, build a strong case, and receive compensation for your injury (or other assets that you may have lost in the accident).
It is important to contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after an accident. They can guide you through the legal process, make sure that all deadlines are met, and help you build the strongest case possible.
Protect Your Claim with Legal Help
Navigating a personal injury claim can be overwhelming, but avoiding these common mistakes can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. The best way to protect yourself is to work with an experienced attorney who can advocate on your behalf and make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
If you or someone you know has been injured, contact 10XLaw today for a free consultation.
