10 Common Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Personal Injury Case
When pursuing a personal injury claim, avoiding certain
pitfalls is crucial to securing fair compensation. Many
claimants unknowingly jeopardize their cases by making
mistakes that weaken their claims or reduce their
settlements. Here are ten common mistakes to avoid when
dealing with a personal injury case.
1. Failing to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Delaying medical care not only puts your health at risk
but also weakens your case. Insurance companies may argue
that your injuries aren’t severe or were unrelated to the
accident. Always see a doctor immediately after an
accident.
2. Not Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer
Attempting to handle your case alone can lead to costly
mistakes. A skilled personal injury lawyer understands the
legal system, insurance company tactics, and how to
maximize your compensation.
The benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer come in
different forms. Most importantly, they manage
communications with insurance adjusters, gather necessary
evidence, and fight for a fair settlement on your behalf.
3. Giving Recorded Statements to Insurance Adjusters
Insurance adjusters often ask for recorded statements,
which they may later use against you. It’s important to
consult with your attorney before speaking with an
adjuster to avoid unintentionally damaging your claim.
Seeking legal assistance before interacting with insurance
adjusters is a wise decision. This approach helps you
understand their strategies and ensures that your rights
are protected. Having an attorney represent you in these
discussions can greatly improve your chances of receiving
a fair outcome.
4. Ignoring Your Doctor’s Orders
Failing to follow your doctor’s advice can hurt your case.
Insurance companies may argue that your injuries aren’t
serious or that you’re not doing your part to recover.
5. Posting About Your Case on Social Media
Sharing details about your accident or injuries on social
media can negatively impact your case. Insurance companies
may use your posts as evidence against you. It's best to
stay off social media or be very careful about what you
share.
6. Accepting the First Settlement Offer
Insurance companies frequently provide low initial
settlement offers. It's important to consult with your
lawyer to assess whether the offer is fair or if you
should negotiate for a higher amount. Filing a personal
injury claim with expert guidance ensures that you won't
be shortchanged by rapid settlement offers.
7. Missing Filing Deadlines
Personal injury claims have deadlines set by statutes of
limitations. Failing to file your claim on time can lead
to loss of your right to compensation. Working with an
attorney to ensure your paperwork is submitted promptly is
advisable.
Are you looking for a personal injury lawyer to assist
with your claim and ensure that all your paperwork is
submitted promptly? Contact Williams and Yoho today to get
started with a free case evaluation.
8. Misrepresenting Facts or Exaggerating Injuries
Being dishonest about the details of your accident or the
extent of your injuries can destroy your credibility.
Always provide truthful and accurate information.
9. Signing Documents Without Legal Advice
Insurance companies may ask you to sign waivers or
settlements without fully explaining the terms. Consult
your lawyer before signing any documents to avoid waiving
your rights.
10. Not Understanding Insurance Company Tactics
Insurance companies often use delay tactics, surveillance,
and misleading information to reduce payouts. Knowing how
to counteract these tactics is critical to protecting your
claim.
Insurance company tactics include minimizing your injuries
and offering unfair settlements to avoid paying full
compensation. Allow us to handle the Insurance Companies
for You!
Let Us Help You Avoid Mistakes
At Williams & Yoho, we’re committed to helping you
navigate your personal injury case successfully. Avoid
these common mistakes by working with our experienced
legal team. From filing claims to negotiating with
insurance adjusters, we’ll be by your side every step of
the way.