What Mistakes Should I Avoid in My Personal Injury Case
Mistakes that seem minor at first can have a significant impact on your case. Whether they are a result of embarrassment, ignorance or a desire to save money, these errors can erode the validity and value of your personal injury claim.
The most common mistake individuals make is neglecting to seek prompt medical attention. If your pain is not reflected in the medical records, the insurance company will have difficulty believing you were injured.
Not Seeking Prompt Medical Attention
Many people fail to seek medical attention after an accident because they think their injuries are not serious or they do not have enough time to go see a doctor. However, seeking medical attention promptly is a crucial part of both your physical recovery and your legal case.
Not only does it ensure that you receive proper treatment, but it also provides a record of your injury for your accident attorney in Carrollton GA to use in court. Documentation is critical when trying to prove that your accident caused your injuries.
Also, medical professionals can often spot hidden or delayed injuries, such as internal bleeding, traumatic brain injury, and whiplash.
Not Following Your Doctor’s Recommendations
As your medical professional, your doctor is the best source of information regarding your injuries and recovery. Skipping out on medical appointments, ignoring prescriptions or not following a treatment plan can negatively impact both your health and your personal injury case.
For example, if you skip a follow-up appointment and the at-fault party’s insurance company notices this behavior, they will likely assume that your injuries are not as severe as you claim them to be. Moreover, following through with medical instructions allows doctors to receive feedback and adjust treatment plans or medications accordingly. This can improve long-term outcomes and result in the most successful recovery possible.
Not Telling Your Doctor About Previous Injuries
Many injury victims will not tell their doctor about previous injuries of a significant nature because they believe that the previous problem was not related to their accident. This belief is dangerous and can be used against you by insurance companies, doctors, and the courts.
Your medical records are crucial to your personal injury case. Insurance companies and jury members will look at any unexplained missed appointments as proof that you are not as serious about your injuries as you claim.
Not Calling the Police
When a person shares information with anyone outside of their personal injury lawyer about their case, it could be used against them. This includes social media, the other driver’s insurance company, and friends or family.
It is important to call the police so that an official accident report can be filed. This may seem like a minor detail but it can be important to your claim. An accident report can help establish a clear link between your injuries and the accident, making it harder for an insurance company to deny your claims. Additionally, a police report can provide evidence that you were not at fault.
Posting Photos or Comments on Social Media
You should refrain from posting anything on social media while your case is pending. This is because it is not uncommon for insurance companies to go through the online profiles of claimants, looking for any photos or comments that can be used against them. Even seemingly innocuous photos can be misconstrued to suggest that your injuries are not as severe as you claim them to be.
This is why you should consider deleting your accounts until your case has been settled. It is also important to avoid discussing your case with anyone other than your lawyer. This includes friends and family members. It is best to simply avoid discussing your injury with any other parties while your case is pending.
Not Obtaining Legal Advice
An attorney is the best person to advise you regarding how a personal injury case works. This will help you better prepare for the proceedings and any responsibilities that may come with your case’s resolution.
You should also avoid discussing the details of your case with anyone other than your lawyer and close friends or family members. Anything you say can be used against you by the insurance company to reduce or deny your claim. By following these simple tips, you can give yourself the best chance of obtaining full and fair compensation for your injuries. Your attorney can help you navigate the process while monitoring New York’s statute of limitations and ensuring that all deadlines are met.