For anyone filing a personal injury claim, navigating the intricacies of the legal system can be difficult.
Mistakes are all too common when you attempt to wade through this process by yourself, and unfortunately, this can cost you in the form of a reduced settlement amount. In some cases, the court may reject your claim if you miss a critical deadline or make in error in filing legal documents.
Today we would like to discuss some of the most common errors accident victims make in their lawsuits. Avoiding these pitfalls will help you recover the compensation you deserve for your injury.
Misrepresenting Facts in an Injury or Accident Claim
It is important to be accurate when speaking about your injury.
You may have symptoms that change or worsen days after the accident. Make sure you are thorough when reporting symptoms, so that you get the medical attention you require.
But don’t exaggerate or minimize your symptoms, as any discrepancies could be used as a basis for diminishing your settlement or rejecting your claim.
Failing to Follow Treatment Plans for your Accident Injury
Emergency room doctors may instruct you to obtain further treatment from a medical specialist or your regular physician.
Make these appointments in a timely manner, as seeking medical care is essential to both your health and the future of your lawsuit. Follow the recommendations of the doctors you visit, and do not leave any gaps in treatment.
The insurance company could attempt to use actions like missing appointments or failing to obtain continuing medical care as evidence to show that you have recovered or that your injuries are not severe.
Also, if you are advised to wear a medical device such as a neck brace, follow the doctor’s instructions diligently. The same goes for avoiding any activities that your medical team advises against.
Going Without Personal Injury Legal Advice
The insurance adjuster will likely ask you to sign a medical authorization form or other documents, and they may request a recorded statement as well.
Do not consent to either until you have spoken with a personal injury attorney.
After all, the insurance company wants you to settle your claim for as little as possible, and any information you provide could be used against you. A lawyer can ensure that you do not inadvertently sign away your rights and that you do not say or do anything that could negatively affect your claim.
And finally, above all, do not accept an insurance settlement without consulting with an experienced attorney.
In many cases, claimants make the mistake of settling too soon, before they fully understand the extent of their injuries. And, of course, insurance adjusters often make a low settlement offer which only represents a fraction of the compensation you deserve.
By retaining legal representation, you can achieve the best possible outcome from your personal injury claim. The legal team at the Montgomery Dowdle in Boise, Idaho, can make sure that your case is handled the right way from start to finish.
Contact us today for capable, compassionate assistance with your personal injury claim.