Personal Injury Lawyer
When a person is harmed and has experienced damages due to another party’s negligent actions, consulting with a personal injury lawyer will be necessary. There are several ways that a person may be injured, which includes a wide range of situations, including but not limited to:
Car Accidents
Medical Malpractice
Slip and Falls
Work-Related Injuries
Product Liability
+More
When someone suffers a personal injury due to another person’s negligence or intentional actions, they may be entitled to compensation for their damages. However, knowing what not to do when you suffer a personal injury is essential. Fortunately, our team at Hurwitz, Whitcher & Molloy provides several common mistakes that can harm a victim’s chances of receiving fair compensation:
#1. Not Seeking Medical Attention
Following an accident, many people may either not believe they have been injured, or they may falsely assume that their injuries are far less severe than they actually are. As a result, it’s not uncommon for a person to not seek medical treatment immediately after a personal injury. Victims may believe that their injuries are minor or that they can tough it out. However, not seeking medical attention can have serious consequences. First and foremost, not getting medical treatment can worsen your injuries. Additionally, if you wait too long to seek medical attention, the other party may argue that your injuries are unrelated to the incident that caused them.
#2. Admitting Fault
An accident can be shocking, and in the wake of the accident, victims may be apologetic or even inadvertently admit fault despite doing nothing wrong. However, admitting fault can harm your chances of receiving fair compensation. Even if you think you may have contributed to the accident, avoiding admitting fault is essential. You may not have all the facts, and it’s best to let the investigation determine who is at fault.
#3. Failing to Document the Accident
Keeping clear records by writing down your personal account and gathering evidence is one of the most important steps that should be taken. It will be critical for a victim to begin the process of gathering evidence as soon as possible by taking photos of the scene, pictures of injuries, documenting names and contact information of witnesses, and keeping a record of all medical treatments. One of the biggest mistakes a person can make is not documenting the accident because it can make it challenging to prove your case later.
#4. Speaking to Insurance Adjusters Without Legal Representation
When a person files a legal claim with the insurance company, victims may be tempted to talk with an insurance adjuster who has contacted them with questions about the case. However, it’s essential to be aware that insurance adjusters are trained to minimize the amount of compensation paid out to claimants. They may use tactics to get you to say things that can harm your case. It’s essential to speak with a lawyer before speaking to insurance adjusters.
#5. Settling Too Quickly
Settling too quickly is one of the biggest mistakes that a person can make. It’s not uncommon for an insurance company to offer a much lower settlement than the cases’ actual value. This is a common tactic used to avoid paying out a more significant sum later down the road. It’s essential to speak with an attorney before accepting any settlement offer. Settlements are often final, and you may give up your right to sue for additional damages.
#6. Posting on Social Media
Many people post their daily activities on social media outlets. However, when a person is injured due to another party’s negligence, it could damage their case. Insurance companies and defense attorneys may use social media posts as evidence against the victim. It’s best to avoid posting about your case altogether.
#7. Waiting Too Long to File a Lawsuit
The statute of limitations is the length of time a person has to take legal action against the responsible negligent party. Each state has different timeframes concerning the statute of limitations, and waiting too long to file a lawsuit can result in your case being dismissed. It’s essential to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after your injury to ensure that you file your lawsuit within the statute of limitations.
Suffering damages from a personal injury accident can have a lasting impact on the victim, including long-term health issues and financial suffering. Victims of such accidents should be aware of what not to do after a personal injury to protect their rights and ensure that they receive fair compensation. Seek medical attention, avoid admitting fault, document the accident, speak with a lawyer before speaking to insurance adjusters, don’t settle too quickly, avoid posting on social media, and don’t wait too long to file a lawsuit for the best outcome possible.