Injured in an Auto Accident? 3 Mistakes That Could Hurt Your Personal Injury Case
Suppose you sustain injuries in a car accident due to someone else's negligence. In that case, you may assume that the negligent party's insurance company will compensate you for the losses you incur. However, this is usually not the case because most insurance companies always look for reasons to pay less. But a personal injury lawyer can do their best to safeguard your interests. They will investigate the accident, negotiate compensation, and even represent you in court. It's important, however, to understand that you also have a role to play in ensuring you get a fair settlement. If you are not careful, you could make costly mistakes. Ensure you avoid the following mistakes because they will negatively affect your case outcome.
Not Getting Treatment Immediately
Most insurance companies will not accept liability easily. They may even look for evidence to justify that you didn't sustain very serious injuries. They do this by analyzing your actions right from when the accident happens. For instance, they find out if you got timely medical treatment immediately after the accident. They also find out if you followed the doctor's instructions. They may also gather evidence to prove that your injuries were not as bad as you claim or that they worsened because you got the wrong medication.
Taking Too Long to Get Legal Representation
Personal injury law is usually complex. So filing a personal injury claim without the lawyer's help could be a big mistake. You usually need a personal injury lawyer to help you negotiate with the insurance company to get a fair settlement. In fact, you should call the lawyer immediately after the accident to help you handle the matter before the other party interferes with the evidence. The lawyer will help you understand the process, devise a winning plan, negotiate with the insurance company, and fight for a fair settlement. You can hardly get what you deserve without proper legal representation. This is because insurance companies use dubious tactics to blame you for the accident so they can give you a low settlement or even nothing.
Recording a Statement with the Insurance Company
The insurance adjuster will likely come to record a statement with you after the accident. However, you should be careful because they sometimes don't do so in good faith. Remember that they represent the insurer's interests. They are trained to engage the victims and get as much information as possible. Sadly, they could use that information to weaken your case or prove you were responsible for the accident. So, avoid talking to them or sharing evidence with them. And if it is to happen, your personal injury lawyer should determine how it happens.