When you have been involved in a car accident, contacting a vehicle accident lawyer and pursuing a lawsuit to seek compensation for your injuries and damages is a natural course of action. However, it’s crucial to be aware that certain actions and behaviors could potentially compromise the success of your lawsuit. Keep reading as the Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys team discuss some of the main things you should avoid to protect the integrity of your car accident lawsuit and increase your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome.
Delaying Medical Treatment
Following a car accident, it’s essential to prioritize your health and seek medical attention as soon as possible. Delaying or ignoring medical treatment could not only harm your wellbeing but may also weaken your lawsuit. Insurance companies and opposing lawyers may argue that your injuries are not severe or accident-related if you fail to seek timely medical care. Because of this, it’s crucial to promptly visit a healthcare professional who can document your injuries and provide the necessary treatment.
Failing to Gather Evidence
Evidence plays an essential role in strengthening your car accident lawsuit. Failing to collect and preserve evidence from the scene can significantly compromise your chances of success. Be sure to gather vital information at the accident scene, including photos of the vehicles involved, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Plus, collect contact information from witnesses who can provide testimony to support your claim. This evidence will help establish the liability of the responsible party and prove the extent of your damages.
Neglecting to Report the Accident
In some circumstances, failing to report a car accident to the police or relevant authorities within a specific timeframe can have serious consequences for your lawsuit. Reporting the accident promptly helps to create an official record of the incident, which can be crucial when filing your claim. Contact the police immediately after the accident and provide them with accurate, detailed information about the collision. This step can strengthen your case by establishing an official account of the events.
Misrepresenting or Exaggerating Injuries
When it comes to discussing your injuries with healthcare professionals, insurance adjusters, and your personal injury accident attorney, honesty is key. Misrepresenting or exaggerating your injuries can seriously damage your credibility and harm your chances of a successful lawsuit. Medical professionals can detect inconsistencies and may provide reports that contradict your claims. It’s crucial to accurately communicate your symptoms and follow your doctor’s advice to ensure your injuries are properly documented and treated.
Posting on Social Media
In today’s digital age, it’s not uncommon for people to share various aspects of their lives on social media. However, it’s important to be aware that posting about your car accident or the progress of your lawsuit on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram can be detrimental to your case. Insurance companies and opposing motor vehicle accident lawyers often monitor social media profiles to gather evidence that may be used to undermine your claims. Be cautious and refrain from posting anything until your case is resolved.
Discussing Your Case with Others
While it’s natural to seek support from friends and family during a challenging time, discussing the details of your lawsuit with others can be risky. Confidentiality is essential to protect the integrity of your case. Sharing sensitive information about your claim can potentially reach the opposite party or their representatives, compromising your position. Instead, confide in your automobile accident lawyer who is bound by attorney-client privilege and can provide you with the appropriate legal guidance.
Accepting the First Settlement Offer
Insurance companies often attempt to settle car accident claims quickly, offering a settlement that may seem tempting at first. However, accepting the initial settlement offer without consulting an attorney can be a grave mistake. Initial offers are typically low and may not fully account for the extent of your injuries, ongoing medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress. Consulting with our top personal injury attorneys is the best way to assess the true value of your case and ensure that a fair settlement is negotiated on your behalf.
Ignoring Statute of Limitations
Every state has a statute of limitations, which refers to the time limit within which you must file a lawsuit after a car accident. Blowing this deadline may mean that your case is dismissed, regardless of its merits. It’s crucial to be aware of the statute of limitations in your state and take prompt action to initiate legal proceedings. In California, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit related to a car accident is generally two years from the date of the accident. Contact our accident injury lawyers as early as possible to ensure that you don’t miss the crucial fling deadline.
Providing Recorded Statements without Legal Advice
After a car accident, your insurance company may request recorded statements from you. While it might seem innocent, providing a recorded statement without the guidance of legal counsel can be detrimental to your case. Insurance adjusters are skilled at asking leading questions and attempting to extract information that can be used against you. It’s essential to speak with your personal injury accident attorney before providing any recorded statements to ensure that you don’t inadvertently harm your lawsuit.
Failure to Follow Medical Treatment Plans
Consistency in following your prescribed medical treatment plan is vital for both your recovery and your lawsuit. Failing to adhere to the treatment plan can give the impression that your injuries are not severe or that you are not taking your recovery seriously. Insurance companies and opposing legal counsel may argue that even though you have sought medical attention, your lack of compliance contributed to your injuries, or that your injuries are not as significant as claimed. Diligently follow your doctor’s advice and attend all recommended appointments to maximize your chances of success.
If you find yourself in a situation where you’ve been involved in a car accident and are considering pursuing a lawsuit, it’s crucial to take the right steps to protect your rights and increase your chances of a favorable outcome.
At Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys, we have extensive experience and are dedicated to advocating for our clients. Contact us today – we’re here to provide the support and representation you need throughout the legal process.
