If you are hurt in an accident, you may often hear the term personal injury. Personal injury involves physical harm and often includes property damage. Personal injury cases usually involve compensation to cover medical expenses, rehab care, and, depending on the severity of the case, money to continue life if you cannot return to work.
These cases can take time, especially if there is no resolution regarding an equitable settlement. If the parties cannot agree, there is a strong chance of the case going to trial. Your legal team will investigate and prepare your case based on the evidence gathered, working in your best interest.
If you’re starting or in the middle of a personal injury claim in Washington, knowing the mistakes to avoid can help avoid your claim being denied or not receiving the compensation you deserve. It’s always recommended to consult personal injury lawyers in Seattle, but you could compromise your case if you make one of these eight mistakes:
Prolonging Medical Care
This is one of the most common reasons a claim may be delayed or denied. When consulting car accident injury attorneys, one of the first recommendations is to seek medical attention. The evidence provided by the physician helps create a solid basis for your claim. While it’s common for someone to seek attention directly after an accident, many people neglect additional treatment. The longer the treatment, the higher the likelihood of an incorrect diagnosis.
Avoiding Legal Assistance
Seeking the advice of a personal injury Seattle attorney can provide perspective. Once an accident has taken place, there may be mental, physical, and financial setbacks for you and your loved ones. It’s no secret that your employer or the other party in the case may not have your best interest at heart. Insurance companies are also trained to get you to settle for less than you deserve or deny your claim.
When you have legal representation, it provides an additional layer of protection where they can gather evidence and fight for your rights. An attorney can review the facts of your case and put things in motion behind the scenes to strengthen your case on every level. The worst thing you could do is settle a personal injury claim without the advice of an attorney. Once you accept and realize you don’t have enough money or resources to continue your quality of life, there may be no additional recourse.
Waiting to File a Claim
Once an accident occurs, you may be in pain or under duress. This can be stressful, but filing a claim for those injuries is vital. One of the first steps in the process is contacting an attorney who can advise you, determine a course of action, and take the necessary steps to put things in motion. Each state has its statute of limitations, and in Washington, the limitation is usually three years from the date of the accident or injury. The date also depends on the type of case.
Getting an attorney involved is critical once it has been determined that injuries need medical attention and compensation. Why is there a statute of limitations on filing a claim? One main reason is that the longer it takes to file a claim, the greater the likelihood that crucial evidence may be compromised.
Speaking On Your Case Without Consulting an Attorney
You should only speak to an insurance company and provide a statement with the advice of personal injury attorneys. Anything you say on a recording can be used against you to strengthen the case. Most people are under duress after an accident, so they can be manipulated through questioning that may cause inconsistencies, challenges, or delays. The best course of action before making any statements is to have an attorney advise you. You may be advised to refrain from speaking to the insurance company so they can review the facts of your case and operate as your representative.
Documenting everything that could be beneficial to your legal team is critical. That means taking photos, keeping paperwork, and writing down contact dates can make a difference. This provides additional ammunition for your attorneys to work on your behalf.
Withholding Information
Regarding your medical history, being upfront and honest is essential. The attending physician should know if you have had prior conditions or injuries that could affect your treatment or healing process. Withholding information could also prevent getting the necessary tests or specific treatments to return to a healthy state. Being honest also helps your legal team as they build your case.
In personal injury cases, the burden of proof in proving your case is your responsibility. This is why it is essential to have legal advice as you move forward. It is never a good idea to hold anything back from your medical or legal team, as this could result in your claim being denied.
Posting Information on Social Media
Social media has become a staple in society, but when you are in the middle of a personal injury case, it makes sense to refrain from posting. This is one of the easiest ways for insurance companies to build a defense in denying your claim. Something so simple as posting when you attended a concert or family event could come back to you, primarily if your case is based on an injury where your quality of life is diminished.
It is also essential to leave the details of your accident off social media. Any information about an accident or injury posted on social media is considered public once posted and could easily be used against you. Keep your moves silent until your case has been settled.
Putting Recovery First
It should be your priority once you’re in an accident, have an injury, and have started your recovery process. Things may become challenging, especially if you face economic hardships, but getting to a point where your life gains a form of normalcy can help avoid setbacks. Your personal injury attorney should be equipped to handle all aspects of your case. That means you won’t have to worry about speaking to the insurance company or following up on what you need to prove your case. Your main goal should be to recover from your injuries and get well peacefully.
Not Being Prepared
Having access to resources during an injury can be challenging. Personal injury cases are not for the faint at heart, especially when there are serious injuries involved. Many cases are settled out of court, and there is no guarantee that your case will make it to trial. If your case makes it to trial, the journey can be lengthy.
It is very important to have the support of family and friends during this time. Although there may be financial or physical setbacks, Having an experienced personal injury attorney in Seattle working on your behalf will help prepare you for the long haul.
If you’re in a position where you need legal advice due to an accident or injury in Seattle, Washington, or the surrounding areas to assist with your situation, contact the team at The Ledger Law Firm today.
