If you’ve been hurt in an accident, your primary concern will be your recovery. However, if your injuries have caused lasting or permanent physical or emotional damage, you’ve had to pay medical bills, you haven’t been able to return to work, or you believe that the accident could have been avoided if it weren’t due to the negligence of others, then you may need to make a claim.
If you need to make a personal injury claim, there are certain things that you shouldn’t do. These mistakes can affect your claim, so it is essential to be aware of them to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
- Not keeping important evidence
When an accident occurs, it can be hard to keep a cool head, and gathering evidence may be the last thing on your mind. However, if you don’t, you may find it more challenging to prove your claim. Take photos, write everything down, and get contact details from all witnesses. Try to be as observant and detailed as possible because as a claimant, it’s up to you to prove that negligence caused your accident. Without evidence, that can be much more difficult.
- Not obtaining medical evidence
To make a successful claim, you need to prove that an injury occurred. Without medical evidence, a lawyer also cannot determine what the value of your claim should be. It is not uncommon for insurers to offer a payout immediately, but your claim may be worth much more. Without medical evidence, however, a lawyer won’t be able to advise you on this. If possible, it’s good to have an opinion from a doctor other than your GP. Remember, psychological and emotional effects count just as much as physical injuries do.
- Admitting fault
If you are injured under any circumstances, and you admit fault, this could have a negative impact on your claim. It can be challenging to keep tight-lipped and not apologize when an accident of any kind occurs, but it’s important to remember that doing so could mean that your claim is denied.
- Settling too soon
Before you settle your case, ask yourself whether you have made a complete physical and psychological recovery? If you expected to make a full recovery after six months, for example, and then didn’t, you will continue to suffer and may have to make expensive lifestyle changes to adapt to your injuries which weren’t considered when the original claim was settled.
- Failing to keep records of any financial losses
If you incur costs because of your accident, whether that’s from paying medical bills, having to adapt your home, or not being able to continue to work, you need to keep accurate, detailed records of your losses.
Everything from parking at a hospital to buying takeout because you aren’t able to cook could be claimable. Be thorough and extensive, as these all add up and can make a significant difference to the amount you can claim. Without the evidence, however, it becomes a lot harder to prove financial loss.
- Worrying your claim will go to trial
The vast majority of personal injury claims do not go to trial. Even if your case does, it will be heard in front of a judge, not a jury, and these are mostly cases where the insurer believes the claimant is being untruthful.
- Trying to handle the claim yourself
If your insurance company tries to settle directly with you, they are probably trying to pay out less compensation than you deserve. Let a trained and knowledgeable attorney handle your case to ensure the settlement is appropriate and fair.
- Not doing your research when obtaining an attorney
When it comes to personal injury claims, not all attorneys are equally skilled and experienced. Make sure you choose a one with lots of experience handling these types of claims. It’s your health and financial stability on the line, after all, so choose your lawyer with care.
If you have been hurt in an accident, you need an experienced personal injury lawyer to help you. Get in touch with The Bagneris Firm at 504-810-3995 today for a free, confidential consultation.
Bagneris Law Firm
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