There are some common mistakes that people make when pursuing personal injury claims that can hurt their chances of receiving fair compensation, although working with a Burbank personal injury lawyer can help ensure this doesn’t happen. Avoiding these mistakes is crucial for getting the settlement you deserve.
Not Seeking Medical Attention Right Away
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to delay seeking medical treatment after an accident. Seeing a doctor promptly after an injury serves two important purposes. First, it creates a record of your injuries that will be useful evidence later. Second, it shows that you took reasonable steps to mitigate the harm after the accident. Judges and insurance companies will look unfavorably at large gaps between the accident date and your first doctor’s visit. Get checked out as soon as possible, even if you don’t think your injuries are serious at first.
Failing to Document Evidence
The more evidence you have to prove liability and damages, the stronger your injury claim will be. Therefore, you need to collect and preserve documentation related to the accident. This includes police reports, photos of property damage, medical records and bills, pay stubs to prove lost income, and written witness statements. If there is video footage or audio recordings related to the incident, your personal injury attorney will try to get copies right away before they are erased or recorded over. Document everything—you and your personal injury accident lawyer can decide later what’s relevant.
Accepting an Early Settlement
Insurance companies will often make quick, low-ball settlement offers hoping victims will take the bait before realizing the full extent of their injuries and losses. Although you may need money fast, accepting an early offer will preclude you from recovering full compensation later. Get a medical prognosis first so you understand the long-term impacts. An experienced attorney can accurately value your claim. Don’t let an insurance company take advantage of your situation by accepting an unreasonably early or low settlement offer. Always contact a Burbank car accident lawyer before speaking to an insurance company.
Providing Recorded Statements
Insurance adjusters frequently request recorded statements from claimants soon after an accident. They may make it seem routine, but providing one can hurt you later. Adjusters are trained to ask leading questions and pressure you into making mistakes or admissions that weaken your case down the road. Politely refuse to provide a statement until you have spoken with Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys. If you have already provided a recorded statement, consult with a car accident attorney to determine if it negatively impacts your case.
Posting on Social Media
Anything you post related to your accident on social media can be used against you. Photos of you participating in activities could make your injuries seem exaggerated. Written posts may include admissions that contradict later statements. Update your privacy settings and avoid discussing your case online until it is resolved. An overshare on social media can quickly ruin a strong injury claim.
Waiting Too Long to Hire a Lawyer
There are strict statutes of limitations on personal injury claims—usually two to three years. However, evidence tends to disappear over time, and early involvement from a car accident lawyer benefits your case. A seasoned lawyer can immediately initiate an investigation, preserve evidence, and negotiate with insurers on your behalf. This leads to the best possible outcome. Don’t wait until the deadline is looming. Consult with an attorney from Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys promptly so they can start building your strongest case right away.
Failing to Demand Sufficient Damages
Be thorough when calculating damages and make sure your settlement demand reflects the full scope of what you lost. This includes medical bills, damaged property, lost income and benefits, pain and suffering, permanent impairment or disfigurement, and any other applicable losses. A car accident injury attorney can help calculate and demand appropriate damages. Asking for too little hurts your bottom line. Don’t leave money on the table by failing to account for all your damages and losses, both economic and non-economic.
Trying to Handle It Alone
The insurance company’s goal is to pay as little as possible on your claim. Without professional legal guidance, you are at a significant disadvantage during negotiations. Personal injury law is complex, and attorneys have the knowledge and resources to establish liability, determine fair compensation, and aggressively negotiate on your behalf. Their expertise is vital. An experienced personal injury lawyer levels the playing field and gets you the maximum compensation allowed by law.
Not Following Your Doctor’s Treatment Plan
Insurers can argue you failed to mitigate damages if you are not compliant with medical treatment recommended by your doctor. Make sure to follow prescribed treatment plans, attend all therapies, take medications as directed, and follow up on referrals to specialists. Non-compliance due to cost or other barriers can be addressed by your lawyer. But overall, diligently following medical advice bolsters your injury claim.
Failing to Report All Your Injuries and Losses
Be extremely detailed when reporting injuries and damages to your attorney. Even if something seems insignificant, like a cut or bruise, it should be documented. Minor untreated injuries can worsen over time. Emotional and psychological issues caused by the accident, like anxiety or depression, should also be reported. Your accident injury lawyer needs a complete picture so no stone is left unturned when seeking fair compensation.
A personal injury claim resulting from someone else’s negligence can recover damages and help you move forward. But simple mistakes can sabotage your entitlement to fair compensation. Avoid these common errors, act promptly to protect your rights, and work with an experienced personal injury attorney from Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys. This will put you in the best possible position to recover the maximum settlement.
If you have been hurt, get in touch with a personal injury lawyer from Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys. We are here to help you.
You can reach us at 800-4THE-WIN (800-484-3946).
