How to Avoid Common Mistakes in Personal Injury Claims

While handling your personal injury or accident claim is legally permissible, it may not be the wisest choice. Many believe they can secure a better settlement and retain more money by avoiding the cost of a personal injury lawyer. However, this approach might damage your claim, potentially leaving you with only a fraction of the compensation you're entitled to from those responsible for your injuries and their insurance providers. To illustrate why consulting a personal injury attorney is beneficial, let's examine some common mistakes individuals make when managing their own injury and accident claims.

Inadequate Negotiations

When you handle a personal injury claim independently, the insurance company you're settling with may appear to act in your favor, often sounding pleasant and agreeable over the phone. However, they don't tell you that they aim to have you admit fault, or at least partial fault. If they succeed, they can argue that you aren't entitled to damages or only eligible for a portion of the claim.

Insurance company representatives often ask leading questions. For example, they might inquire about what you were doing at the time of the accident. Without thinking, you might mention you were on the phone, which they could use to argue you were distracted and partially at fault.

An auto accident lawyer Edmonton will manage all negotiations with the insurance company. Moreover, they will guide you on responding to questions during interviews properly and will be present to ensure your claim remains protected.

Recorded Statements to Insurers Without Advice

Insurance adjusters often request recorded statements from injured individuals shortly after an accident. While they may portray this request as standard or necessary, stating without legal advice can endanger your claim.

Adjusters are adept at posing questions intended to lower the value of your claim or attribute fault to you. You can avoid unintentionally damaging your claim by consulting a knowledgeable personal injury attorney before providing any recorded statements.

Postponing Medical Care

There's a saying that your pride is the only thing hurt in an accident. The natural embarrassment in such situations might lead you to avoid seeing a doctor, which could be a significant mistake. Shock is another typical reason for avoiding immediate medical attention. Your body sends signals to reduce pain right after a traumatic event, potentially hiding serious injuries that need treatment.

There are various other reasons you might avoid medical care after an accident. Perhaps you're rushing to work or pick up your kids from school. You might lack insurance and want to avoid the extra cost of an urgent care visit. Maybe you genuinely feel fine and aren't aware that many injuries don't show symptoms for a day or two.

Inadequate Injury Documentation

Maintaining thorough records of all injuries and associated costs, including medical bills, prescriptions, and documents of lost wages from time off work, is vital. Incomplete records may result in decreased compensation. Comprehensively document every part of your recovery and financial loss to support your claim fully. Set up a dedicated folder for all documents related to the accident and regularly update it with any new expenses or medical visits.

Representing Yourself

Many accident victims who opt to represent themselves are unaware of the challenges they face. Being injured doesn't guarantee a fair settlement offer without legal assistance. Managing a personal injury claim independently can be daunting.

Lawyers dedicate years to mastering legal complexities, courtroom protocols, and insurance rules. Insurance adjusters often exploit the lack of substantial legal experience in self-represented victims.

Endnote

Avoiding common mistakes in personal injury cases is crucial to enhancing your chances of obtaining fair compensation and justice after an injury-causing event.