Every year, millions of people visit the emergency room to get medical care for injuries sustained in personal injury accidents. These incidents go beyond vehicular accidents, extending to various situations like slip and fall accidents, dog bites, accidental burn losses, medical complications, and drowning, among many other things. Filing a claim for compensation after sustaining a personal injury may seem straightforward, but it is not. Over 95 percent of these claims are resolved without an attorney; the victims represent themselves.
However, they settle for far less than they need to make a complete (or at least near-full) recovery. We have listed six pitfalls every personal injury victim must avoid to obtain fair compensation for personal injury.
Not Calling a Lawyer
Most victims’ first mistake is failing to call a lawyer, especially considering the cost. Furthermore, medical bills are already stacking up, and a certain ambiguity around the case may make one overlook a lawyer’s help. However, you can trust that an attorney like Geoff Brown of Bordas and Bordas Attorneys, PLLC, will fight in your best interests—plus, they typically work on a contingency basis.
Not Seeking Medical Attention
Not going to a doctor immediately or as soon as possible after your accident can complicate your case. When you do go, the opposition party may interpret that visit as unrelated to the original incident. Furthermore, the doctor’s visit is strong evidence showing the court that your injury required you to seek medical treatment.
Delaying Filing a Claim
Personal injury law allows you to get adequate compensation for all physical and psychological damages caused by someone else’s negligence. However, a deadline imposes restrictions on filing a claim for this compensation, known as the statute of limitations. This means you have until a certain number of years (for example, two years in Texas) to file your claim.
Thinking You Do Not Have a Claim
It is easy to assume that your case does not qualify for compensation, but knowing is better than assuming. Many incidents fall under the personal injury category, including medical malpractice, workplace accidents, and product liability.
Thus, you want to consult a professional in the field to understand your options before writing off your chances. A lawyer will peruse your case with a legal eye; they may likely see something you overlooked—perhaps a piece of evidence.
Not Collecting or Losing Evidence
Evidence is a critical element in personal injury law; the evidence you present can determine the success of your claim. Therefore, do not neglect to obtain these pieces of evidence, as doing so could poke a significant hole in your claim. These critical pieces of evidence include witness accounts, police reports, medical bills, videos, and accident scene pictures.
Settling for anything
You will deal with insurance companies as your claim progresses, and you should know that they care little about your recovery. They may offer you compensation, but it will likely be less than you deserve or need.
It is easy to be tempted by quick money and settle your case; insurance companies use this tactic. However, before you settle, remember that settling the case will prevent you from reopening it in the future.
Conclusion
In conclusion, recovering from a personal injury isn’t just about getting better physically; it’s also about making sure you get the compensation you deserve. To do that, it’s important to avoid common mistakes like not calling a lawyer, not seeking medical help right away, or waiting too long to file your claim. These steps are crucial in building a strong case that can help you recover what you’ve lost.
Additionally, it’s important not to settle for less than you deserve, even if insurance companies offer you quick money. Settling can prevent you from reopening the case later if new issues come up. By staying on top of the process, collecting the right evidence, and seeking legal advice, you can ensure a better chance of getting the compensation you need to fully recover.
