After suffering a personal injury, you may feel frustrated and confused. You didn’t ask for this situation, and it’s quite hard to adjust.
But maybe there’s a little silver lining you haven’t considered. It’s possible your injury can lead to positive changes in your life.
A new perspective on life and the ability to help others who have gone through similar experiences are just some of the positive things that can arise after a personal injury. Below I’ve outlined six mistakes that people often make when dealing with injuries, so you don’t fall victim to them as well.
1. Not visiting a doctor
According to the attorneys at Brown, Bass & Jeter, one of the most common mistakes people make after suffering a personal injury is not visiting a doctor. Let’s face it, if you’ve been injured, all you want to do is go home and heal. But insufficient medical documentation can hurt your case in the long run. So, if you’ve been injured, make sure you visit a doctor as soon as possible to ensure that all injuries are properly documented.
2. Not seeking the advice of an attorney
According to www.emersonstraw.com, if you have been injured in an auto accident and think that you may be eligible to recover compensation, it is important to seek legal counsel right away. Not only will an attorney be able to help you file your claim within the statute of limitations, but they will also protect your rights throughout the entire process. They can also help you with any insurance claims or negotiations.
3. Not documenting the cost of an injury
It’s important that you keep proper documentation of any medical bills or records pertaining to your injury. As https://mgalaw.com/ explains, you will also want to document any communication between yourself and the other party’s insurance company. You should also try and document how the injuries from your accident are impacting your life, as this can affect any potential settlement offer.
4. Signing documents without understanding them
One of the most common errors made by people who suffer personal injuries is signing documents without understanding them. For example, if you are injured in a car accident, the other driver’s insurance company may send you paperwork asking you to sign an authorization form in exchange for quick payment.
The insurance company may make it sound like this is the simplest way to settle your case, but the truth is that signing any document sent by an insurance company can have devastating consequences on your claim.
5. Talking too much, especially on social media
When dealing with legal matters, it’s always wise to keep your conversations with your lawyer confidential. This is especially important if you’re being asked questions by an insurance company, which could be fishing for information to use against you.
Additionally, don’t post anything on social media that could be used against you as well. Avoid posting photos on social media that show injuries that don’t match the ones you claim; this can be damaging in court.
6. Not having an attorney present when you talk to the insurance company
Another mistake that many people make after suffering an injury is making a statement to the insurance company before meeting with an attorney. Don’t do it. You might think that the insurance company is on your side and wants to help you, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Insurance companies are for-profit businesses, and their main goal is to pay out as little as possible.
It is important to note that if you have suffered a personal injury due to the negligence of another party, then you need to contact a lawyer as soon as possible. Once you have contacted an attorney, they will collect all the information regarding your case and advise you on your best course of action. Mistakes can delay getting what is rightfully yours, such as compensation for injuries.