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No one ever plans to be in an accident and yet millions of accidents occur every year across the United States. So whether a dog bites you, slip and fall or are hit while riding your bike, one of the last things on your mind is avoiding mistakes that could potentially hurt your personal injury case. Read these five most common mistakes made during a personal injury case and learn what not to do.
Failing To Keep A Record Of Evidence
After an accident, it is crucial to document the scene (pending you do not need to seek immediate medical attention). If there are other vehicles involved make sure you take photos of them, your injuries and any other evidence at the scene of the incident. In addition to photos, you should also collect the contact information of any witnesses of the accident.
Leaving The Police Out Of The Situation
Depending on the extent of the accident, some people might not think it is necessary to call the police. However, this a mistake that could negatively impact your personal injury claim. By notifying the police of your accident, they will help identify any key witnesses and possibly determine a cause.
Avoiding Medical Treatment
Even if you feel fine following an accident, you should still seek a professional medical opinion. You may feel pain after the excitement and adrenaline of the accident wears off and then it becomes more difficult to attribute your injuries to the accident. By visiting a doctor, you are strengthening your case as well as protecting your personal health.
Speaking With The Insurance Company
Some insurance companies will try to speak with the victim of an accident to obtain information about their injuries and may even attempt to get the victim to give authorization to their medical records. In doing so, the insurance company may to devalue your injuries and offer a lower monetary amount than the compensation you deserve. Avoid speaking with insurance companies without legal counsel or representation. These experts will make sure your settlement matches any pain and suffering you may have endured.
Choosing To Represent Yourself
While it may seem like a good idea to represent yourself in a personal injury case, the claim might seem simple and the fault is clearly on the other party. However, in most claims, this is not the case. There are many components to a personal injuries claim like dealing with insurance companies, medical bills, paperwork and focusing on your recovery from any injuries. A personal injuries lawyer has the expertise to help you through this process and make sure you receive sound advice and will consider your injuries, pain, suffering, loss of income, and other factors to ensure you are not settling on a subpar offer.
The experts at Elsner Law Firm are experienced in a variety of personal injury cases from pedestrian accidents to wrongful deaths. Contact them today with any questions about your situation or for a free case evaluation.
