If you’re planning on filing a personal injury claim, there are a few mistakes you need to avoid. Most mistakes that compromise a personal injury case are due to the plaintiff’s inexperience. After all, it’s extremely rare for a plaintiff to have the experience and legal acumen of a personal injury attorney. Unfortunately, it’s the little mistakes that can hurt your case, which is why we created this list of 4 common mistakes to avoid as you pursue maximum compensation.
Mistake #1: Not Seeking Medical Care or Ignoring a Doctor’s Instructions
Your personal injury case depends heavily on your doctor’s initial assessment report. If you wait longer than a week to seek medical care, the defendant’s attorney and insurance company may use the delay against you, questioning why you waited and suggesting that the reported injury may be connected to the accident at all.
A related mistake is not following the medical treatments prescribed by your doctor. Healing from your injury doesn’t necessarily mean your claim is invalid. It’s important to take care of your health and not allow your injury to develop further complications. Following your doctor’s instructions is essential to your claim. Your defendant’s lawyer can argue that your failure to receive or follow treatments for your injury indicates that it’s minor and deserving of less compensation.
Mistake #2: Giving a Recorded Statement
A big mistake people often make is giving a recorded statement to the defendant’s insurance company. Insurance companies are in business to defend their clients and protect their own interests. Your personal injury claim is going to cost them money, and they’re hoping you’ll slip during a phone call and give them information they can use against your case. If the defendant’s insurance company reaches out to you, immediately direct them to your personal injury lawyer or insurance company claims adjuster.
Mistake #3: Settling Your Case Early
In some cases, insurance companies pressure plaintiffs to settle early because it will ultimately save them money. That’s the bottom line. Again, most plaintiffs don’t have the experience to recognize what their personal injury claim is worth, and, consequently, they settle for an underwhelming compensation amount. Your injury may require many medical treatments and ongoing care, which is why your claim should contain your medical bills, records, and assessments. These help your attorney and insurance company evaluate the compensation you need to truly treat your medical condition. If you settle the case early, you may not be awarded the fair compensation you deserve.
Mistake #4: Not Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney
It’s important to retain legal representation immediately if you’re planning to file a personal injury claim. A skilled legal advocate can navigate confusing laws and negotiate with shrewd insurance companies on your behalf. Unlike an insurance company, your attorney’s objective will be aligned with your objective. You don’t have to worry about being misled or tricked into settling your case for less compensation than your injury is worth. A lawyer’s job is to fight tooth and nail to get you the compensation you need.
We Can Help You
Contact the Law Offices of Vic Feazell, P.C. if you require legal representation for a personal injury case. Our trial-tested lawyers are highly experienced and can handle a wide range of personal injury cases. We understand how difficult it is to pay for medical treatments and surgeries, so our firm handles cases on a contingency fee basis. You don’t have to pay unless you’re awarded compensation!
Contact the Law Offices of Vic Feazell, P.C.at (254) 938-6885 to schedule a free consultation.