When a person is injured because of someone else’s negligence, a personal injury claim may be an important way to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other losses. In many cases, a personal injury claim is handled through the at-fault party’s insurance policy. Unfortunately, insurance companies are always looking for ways to deny claims altogether or to reduce payouts. Injured people sometimes unknowingly make mistakes that can sabotage their claim – and insurance companies are ready to take advantage of these mistakes.
If you or a loved one was injured because of another driver, you have a lot to gain by hiring a personal injury lawyer who can discuss your legal rights and guide you through the injury claim process. Your attorney will also help you avoid common mistakes that insurance companies use to deny claims.
Top 5 Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Personal Injury Claim
Even small decisions after an injury can have a major impact on the outcome of your personal injury claim. Knowing what behaviors to avoid can help protect your rights and improve your chances of recovering the compensation you deserve. No matter what you do, avoid these five common mistakes:
- Failing to document what happened
The more evidence you have, the easier it is to prove your claim. When possible, take photos at the scene and of your injuries, save relevant records, and gather contact information for witnesses. Documentation can help your injury attorney establish what happened and who may be responsible. - Giving a statement to the other party’s insurance company
Claimant’s typically receive a phone call from the at-fault party’s insurance company within a few days of submitting a claim. The adjuster is typically friendly and asks seemingly innocent questions about the accident and your injuries. You should know that statements can sometimes be used to challenge fault or minimize the value of a claim and that you are under no legal obligation to speak to the at-fault insurance company. Instead, consider working with a personal injury attorney who can protect your rights by handling communication with the insurance company on your behalf. - Delaying medical treatment
Always seek medical attention for injuries as soon as possible and follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations. Delaying care or ignoring treatment protocol can affect your health and give the insurance company an opportunity to question the severity or cause of your injuries. - Discussing your case on social media
Making posts or sharing photos or comments about your accident, injuries, activities, or recovery could be used to challenge your claim. Even an innocent post or photo can be taken out of context and used to suggest that your injuries are less serious than you reported or that your activities are inconsistent with your claim. It is generally best to avoid posting about your case while it is ongoing and to be cautious about what you share online, as social media activity may become evidence in your case. - Accepting a settlement too quickly
An insurance company may offer a lowball settlement before you fully understand the extent of your injuries and losses. It is very important to understand that once you accept a settlement, you generally cannot go back and ask for more compensation. A personal injury attorney will calculate the true value of your claim after the full extent of your medical care and future losses are known. In Washington State, the general deadline for filing a personal injury claim is three years, which gives injured people time to understand the full scope of their injuries and losses before deciding how to proceed.
Click here to read the top 5 mistakes after a car accident.
Seek the Help of a Personal Injury Lawyer
If you or a loved one was injured because of the negligence of another, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights. Let an experienced accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times larger with the help of a lawyer. Call the personal injury lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! Since 1979, our personal injury law firm, Tario & Associates, P.S., has been dedicated to fighting for the rights of people injured throughout Washington State, with local offices in Bellingham and Mount Vernon to serve residents of Whatcom, Skagit, Island, and Snohomish counties. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
