Four Big Mistakes That Could Harm Your Personal Injury Claim
Personal injury claims can be very drawn out and complex due to the numerous phases that must take place in order for the insurance companies to settle a claim. There are investigations, negotiations, arbitration, and sometimes even trial that someone will have to go through. It’s understandable that you may feel shaken and off-put following a car accident, they are scary events. However, how you conduct yourself following a car accident is crucial to successfully file and win a claim. Here are some important safeguards you can take to support compensation for your claims.
Discussing Your Case
You should never discuss your case with anyone hired by the at-fault driver or insurance company. If they ask you anything at all, refer them to your lawyer.
Taking to Social Media
Insurance companies are likely to search the internet for information that can invalidate your claim. If you use Facebook, Twitter, or other social media sites, refrain from posting details or photos of your injuries or the accident online in status updates, comments, or blog entries. Be careful!
Failure to Seek Medical Attention
Medical documentation is very important to your injury claim because insurance companies will try to minimize the value of the claim by attempting to show that the injured party was not badly hurt. It’s essential to seek medical treatment after an auto accident as soon as possible—even if you feel your injuries were minor. If you wait too long to see a doctor, insurance companies may argue that you couldn’t have been hurt that seriously, and therefore don’t deserve compensation, or that your injuries were sustained in another way.
Failure to Adequately Document Details
Following the car accident, there are crucial steps to take to ensure you have adequate evidence. Call the police; document injuries, property damage, and the scene of the accident with digital photographs; and obtain the full name and contact information for the other driver and witnesses. A key part of this documentation is identifying witnesses, especially when the parties are disputing causes and details of the accident. Witnesses are often the best source of information about what was happening at the time of the accident. Always take pictures to document the crime scene and your injuries.
After 911, call 411. Our lawyer and medical referral service will connect you with lawyers who are experienced in dealing with pedestrian accidents. If you or someone you know has been involved in a collision and are seeking help, call 1-800-411-PAIN and get the help you need! We will refer you to the attorneys that will fight to get you the compensation you deserve and the medical attention you need. If you have been hurt in an accident, call 1-800-411-PAIN, and we will guide you in finding you the best medical and legal professionals.