A personal injury refers to the physical or emotional harm caused to a person by another person or an entity. This includes car accidents, workplace accidents, medical malpractice, assault, and slip-and-fall accidents, among others.
Accidents are pretty common and can happen to anyone. If you are hurt in an accident, it is important to hire a personal injury lawyer. These lawyers can help you secure fair compensation for your losses.
Mistakes Victims Make When Filing a Personal Injury Claim
As a victim of a personal injury accident, you will probably be overwhelmed with dealing with the aftermath of the accident, like the medical bills, cost of repair for damaged property, and recovering from the injuries. So, it’s not uncommon for people to mess up their personal injury claim.
To prevent that from happening, we’ve listed some of the common mistakes people make so you can avoid repeating them.
Not Reporting the Accident
People in America are required by law to report any accident they’re in. Failing to do so could result in being fined or arrested. More importantly, police reports serve as crucial evidence in the personal injury claims process, and not having the accident on record could be detrimental to your case.
Failing to Get Medical Attention
A common mistake people make after being in an accident is failing to get immediate medical attention. The adrenaline from the accident can often make you feel like you’re okay, but you could be seriously injured and just not know it.
Sometimes injuries don’t show up till later, or could be internal and require tests to be detected. This is why it’s essential to get a medical checkup, so that any injuries can be detected and treated as early as possible. Medical reports are also crucial evidence in personal injury claims.
Failing to Document the Accident
Another point to note is that photos of the accident or contact information of those involved, including insurance details, can serve as crucial evidence in your personal injury claim. So, if you fail to document the accident, it can be difficult to gather evidence to support your claim.
Be sure to take photos of any accident you’re in, including damaged property, the scene of the accident, and any injuries that you may have sustained. If there are any witnesses to the accident, get their personal information so they can provide their statements.
Not Seeking Legal Assistance
The legalities involved in proving a personal injury claim can make it confusing for victims, which is why it’s necessary to get legal assistance. A lawyer who is experienced in dealing with personal injury claims can help you gather the necessary evidence, file the right documents on time and even negotiate with the insurance companies for you.
Accepting the First Offer
The last mistake we will discuss in this article is accepting the first settlement offer from an insurance company. When there’s an accident, it is the insurance company that pays for damages, including medical bills. This is why they usually conduct their own investigations and offer an initial settlement amount.
However, the company usually offers the lowest possible amount, which is why victims shouldn’t accept the first offer. You should have your lawyer handle the negotiations and factor in all the damages you are entitled to, including lost wages and pain and suffering so that you get a fair settlement.
Conclusion
In summary, victims of personal injury accidents can make several mistakes, like failing to report to the police or document their accident, which can lead to problems in the claims process. So, if you’re ever caught in an accident, don’t fall prey to these common mistakes, and make sure to get legal help.
William Gall is a seasoned attorney specializing in civil litigation and family law. With a legal career spanning over two decades, William has built a reputation for his meticulous attention to detail and his unwavering commitment to justice. In addition to practicing law, he is a prolific writer, contributing regularly to various legal blogs where he shares his insights on current legal trends, case law, and best practices. His articles are well-regarded in the legal community for their thorough research and practical advice, making complex legal concepts accessible to both legal professionals and the general public.