When it comes to winning personal injury cases, there are no guarantees. Even where your case is strong, winning can take considerable time and effort. Naturally, you want to take all steps to increase your odds of a successful outcome. At the same time, there are also things you should avoid doing when you have a personal injury case. What are those things you can do to hurt your personal injury case?
In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most common mistakes that people make when pursuing a personal injury case.
- Waiting Too Long to Seek Medical Treatment
If you have been injured in a car accident or any other type of personal injury incident, it is important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. This is not only important for your health, but also for your legal case. If you wait too long to seek medical treatment, it can be difficult to prove that your injuries were a result of the accident.
- Failing to Document Your Injuries and Expenses
It is important to keep a record of all medical expenses, including doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription costs, as well as any other expenses related to your injury. You should also keep a record of any time you miss from work and any other financial losses you have suffered as a result of your injury. Keeping accurate records can help you build a strong case and receive fair and just compensation for your injuries and losses. If you have no idea what treatment or expenses are related to your loss, it will be difficult to prove your case.
- Posting on Social Media
Social media can be a double-edged sword when it comes to personal injury cases. While it can be tempting to share your thoughts and experiences with friends and family, it is important to be careful what you post. Anything you say on social media, including photos and videos, can be used as evidence in court. If you make statements that are inconsistent with your injury claim, it can harm your case and reduce the amount of compensation you receive. Even innocent social media posts can be used against you. For example, let’s say 6 months after your car accident you post you and your family at a restaurant. The insurance company will argue this post shows you are able to do “normal” things and that accident has had no affect on your life. Of course, this post may not show that you were in pain the entire time you were at the restaurant with your family. But, the social media post will not convey this fact. You can see the problem.
- Talking to the Insurance Company Without Legal Representation
Insurance companies are often more concerned with their bottom line than with your well-being. If you speak to an insurance adjuster without legal representation, they may try to get you to say something that can be used against you in court. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you negotiate with the insurance company and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the legal process.
- Settling Too Quickly
Settling your personal injury case quickly may seem like a good idea, but it can often result in a lower settlement amount. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you understand the true value of your case and negotiate a fair and just settlement. They can also help you explore other options for obtaining compensation, such as seeking damages from your own insurance company. In many cases, insurance companies like to make a settlement offer almost immediately – like $2,500. While the offer may seem fair, it most instances it is not. In most cases, personal injury lawyers will get you more money.
- Not Hiring a Lawyer
If you have been involved in a car accident or suffered a personal injury, it is important to seek legal representation. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and responsibilities, navigate the legal process, and ensure that you receive fair and just compensation for your injuries and losses.
- Not Following Your Doctor’s Orders
If you have been injured, it is important to follow your doctor’s orders and attend all scheduled appointments. If you do not follow your doctor’s orders, it can be difficult to prove the extent of your injuries and the impact they have had on your life. Additionally, not following your doctor’s orders can also harm your health and slow your recovery. And if you regularly miss scheduled appointments, it will hurt your injury case.
- Accepting a Lowball Settlement Offer
Insurance companies may offer you a settlement that is much lower than what you deserve. If you accept a lowball settlement offer, your case will be over. Indeed, once you accept a settlement offer your can’t reopen your case. So if you settle, you must settle on terms that fairly compensate you for your injuries.
If you recently got into an accident, we hope this post helps you understand those things you can do to hurt your personal injury case.
At Barthelette Law, we help car accident victims, bicycle accident victims, and other injury victims get their lives back on track. If you were involved in an accident, do not hesitate to call us at (561) 246-4137. All of our consultations are free and confidential. Stay safe!