Accidents can happen anytime, unfortunately, and the aftermath can be overwhelming. When you are a victim of personal injury, navigating the path to compensation can be complex. That’s where the services of a personal injury attorney become invaluable. At Neuberger, Griggs, Sweet & Froehle LLP, we have dedicated our practice to guiding clients through their toughest times. To help you get the best outcome from your claim, here are some common mistakes a Personal Injury Attorney wants you to avoid.
10 Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Personal Injury Case
1. Not Seeking Immediate Medical Attention
One of the most critical pitfalls you can make is not getting medical treatment immediately after an accident. Even if you feel fine right after the incident, some injuries might not show symptoms immediately. Delaying the proper medical treatment can worsen your condition and weaken your case, allowing insurance companies to argue that your injuries were not severe enough or may not have even been caused by the accident. Visiting a doctor right after an accident ensures your injuries are documented and can improve both your health and your legal standing.
2. Failing to Document Evidence
Evidence plays a main role in all personal injury cases. Failing to document the event of the accident, injuries, property damage, witness details, and other relevant information can significantly impact your case.
Make sure you or someone you know takes photographs of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage. Keep detailed notes about what happened, collect contact information from witnesses, and save all related documents. This evidence helps your personal injury attorney build a compelling case that supports your claims.
3. Talking to Insurance Companies Without Legal Representation
Insurance companies often aim to minimize the payouts on claims. Talking to them without your personal injury attorney can lead to unintentional mistakes. For example, they may use your statements against you to reduce the compensation amount.
At Neuberger, Griggs, Sweet & Froehle LLP, we advise you to seek legal counsel immediately and let your attorney handle all communications with your insurance companies to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation.
4. Settling Too Quickly
Insurance companies may propose a quick settlement to close the case, often offering much less than what you deserve. A common mistake is accepting the settlement offer too quickly without considering the full extent of your injuries and losses.
Consult with your personal injury attorney first to evaluate the true value of your claim before accepting any offers. This way, you ensure all medical bills, lost wages, and other damages are adequately compensated.
5. Posting on Social Media
Social media can sometimes be detrimental to your personal injury case. Avoid posting anything personal or related to your accident, injuries, or daily activities while your claim is pending. Insurance adjusters and opposing attorneys often scrutinize your social media accounts for posts that could contradict your claims. Ideally, it’s best to avoid social media altogether until your case is resolved.
6. Ignoring Medical Advice
Following your doctor’s advice is vital for your recovery and your case. Ignoring medical recommendations or missing appointments can harm your health and weaken your claim.
Conversely, consistently attending medical appointments and following prescribed treatments demonstrate that you take your recovery seriously. It also provides a clear record of your injuries and treatments, which strengthens your case.
If you skip appointments or don’t follow medical advice, the opposition might argue that your injuries are not as severe as you claim.
7. Waiting Too Long to File a Claim
Personal injury claims have statutes of limitations that determine the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit. Waiting too long to begin your process can result in losing your right to seek compensation.
Each state has different timelines, so consult with a local personal injury attorney as soon as possible after your accident to ensure all deadlines are met. Acting promptly allows your attorney to gather necessary evidence and build a strong case.
8. Not Being Honest With Your Attorney
Your personal injury attorney needs accurate and complete information to represent you effectively. Withholding details or being dishonest about your injuries, prior accidents, or pre-existing conditions can backfire.
Always be truthful with your lawyer, providing all the relevant facts so they can prepare for any challenges. Transparency helps your attorney strategize effectively and anticipate potential issues that might arise during negotiations or in court.
9. Overlooking Future Damages
When evaluating your claim, consider not only your current losses but also future damages. This includes ongoing medical treatments, rehabilitation costs, and reduced earning capacity. Overlooking these aspects can leave you under-compensated for long-term consequences.
Your personal injury attorney will help you account for all potential future losses to secure a fair settlement that covers both present and anticipated expenses.
10. Handling Your Case Alone
Attempting to independently handle your personal injury claim without the right legal experience can lead to several significant mistakes. The legal process is intricate, and having an experienced personal injury attorney at your side ensures your rights are protected.
At Neuberger, Griggs, Sweet & Froehle LLP, we understand the nuances of the law, know how to negotiate with insurance companies, and are committed to helping you secure the compensation you deserve.
Consult With a Personal Injury Attorney in One of our Three Locations – Watertown, Columbus, or Lake Mills
Navigating a personal injury claim can be complex, but avoiding these ten common mistakes can help improve your chances of a favorable outcome. Understanding the legal process, gathering proper evidence, and consulting with an experienced legal team are crucial steps. Taking the time to educate yourself on these pitfalls can make a significant difference in the success of your claim.
At Neuberger, Griggs, Sweet & Froehle LLP, our team of dedicated personal injury attorneys is here to guide you through each step of the process. If you’ve been injured in an accident, don’t hesitate to contact us today at (920) 261-1630 to learn more about your options.