Common Mistakes in Personal Injury Claims

If you have been injured in an accident because of someone else’s negligence, you may be able to make a personal injury claim from the responsible party. However, to ensure that you win full recovery of your personal injury damages, you must avoid making any of the common mistakes when filing a claim.

Here are some of the common mistakes people make when filing personal injury claims:

Not calling the police: If you do not call the police, there will not be any formal investigation of the accident. Later on, if the negligent party or driver denies liability, you may have a difficult time proving your case without a police report.

Not fixing the property damage: Another common mistake is accepting and cashing a property damage check without first fixing the damages. You may later find out that the amount offered is less than the amount it takes to fix the damage.

Not getting medical treatment: Not getting medical treatment after the accident will give the insurance adjuster a chance to argue that you were not really injured and may deny you coverage. Also, it is important that you avoid long gaps in treatment to prevent adjusters from claiming that your injuries are non-existent or less severe than they truly are.

Not hiring a lawyer: If you are not represented by a lawyer, the insurance adjusters may try to settle the value of a case at a very low amount. Hiring a personal injury lawyer can help you make the best possible negotiation.

Not collecting witness contact information: Many victims fail to obtain the contact information of witnesses at the accident scene. Without witnesses, an insurance adjuster may deny liability.

Giving recorded statements without hiring an attorney: Giving a recorded statement without the protection and guidance of legal representation can result in serious problems. An adjuster can misinterpret your answers and make it appear as though you were not really hurt in the accident, or that you were partly or wholly liable for its cause.

Not using uninsured motorist coverage: Uninsured Motorist coverage and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage protect individuals who are hit by motorists with little or no insurance of their own. After the liable party’s insurance runs out, this coverage under your insurance policy may help you obtain compensation for your damages.