Accidents may happen at an unexpected time. But once it happens, the effects can be long-lasting and stressful. Whether it is a car accident, a motorcycle accident, or a workplace injury, the aftermath can be confusing and distressful.
It is common to make mistakes during this period, especially while dealing with physical injuries and mental distress, in addition to the legal process. This is why it is recommended to get help from personal injury lawyers for legal guidance.
Many people wish to handle their cases alone to cut legal costs. However, they can make mistakes that may negatively impact their case. Here are some of the most common mistakes accident victims usually make.
Failing to Seek Medical Attention
One of the most common mistakes victims make is not seeking medical care immediately after an accident.
Sometimes, you believe everything is fine and you don’t have any injuries. However, even if you feel good, you should consult a doctor because some internal injury symptoms may not appear immediately.
Skipping medical care can cause serious health issues and affect your personal injury claim, as medical records play a vital role in proving damages. Insurance adjusters may say your injuries are not severe if you don’t get immediate treatment. So, visiting a doctor after an accident is essential.
Not Documenting the Accident
Documentation is key in proving any case. Many accident victims forget to document the necessary details of the accident properly. The documents can significantly strengthen your personal injury claim.
You can take photos of the accident scene, any visible injuries, and damage to the vehicle. Also, you can gather witness statements and get a copy of police reports.
Furthermore, record any medical or other expenses related to the accident. All these will help win the case easily.
Admitting Fault or Apologizing
After an accident, it is natural for people to apologize or feel a sense of responsibility or guilt for what happened. But admitting fault or apologizing at the accident spot will be a big mistake. Insurance companies can use these statements against you.
Even if you feel you are partially at fault, do not make any statements about that. Your lawyer will analyze that and help you find whether you shared a fault or the opposite party is entirely at fault.
Waiting Too Long to File a Claim
Waiting too long to file a claim could result in losing the right compensation. There are time limits called the statute of limitations for personal injury claims. The statute of limitations is a legal deadline by which you must file a claim.
This period can range from one year to several years, depending on your state. If you file a claim after the statute of limitations has expired, you may not be eligible for compensation for your losses except in a few cases.
Settling Too Quickly
Insurance companies offer quick settlements to accident victims before the victim fully understands the extent of injuries or their legal rights. This idea of fast payout is an insurance company’s tactic. It can be attractive to get a low offer and settle quickly.
But, it won’t include the long-term effects of your injury, such as future medical bills, rehabilitation, lost wages, and emotional distress. It is better to consult a lawyer, a medical professional, and financial experts to fully assess your long-term health condition and economic situation to determine the right compensation to cover all the damages.
Not Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer
Not hiring a lawyer can have a massive impact on your case. Accident victims try to handle the legal process without any professional help. But this won’t help in all situations. Because when you handle a case alone, insurance companies will try to reduce your settlement, or sometimes, they will shift the blame on you.
Therefore, you should hire a personal injury lawyer to avoid consequences like settling for a lesser amount, not covering all the damages in your compensation, or missing deadlines.
A personal injury lawyer will take care of all the legal processes, including gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and representing you in court if necessary. It will allow you to focus on recovering from your physical injuries and psychological trauma.