When a person suffers harm or injury due to the negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions of another party, they may be able to seek compensation through a personal injury case. This compensation, known as damages, is for the physical, emotional, and financial losses incurred as a result of the injury.
If you or a loved one was injured as a result of the actions – or inaction – of another, contact an experienced, local personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights.
How to Avoid Common Mistakes that May Harm Your Personal Injury Case
Avoiding common mistakes that could harm your personal injury case is crucial for ensuring you receive fair compensation. It is very important to avoid these mistakes after an incident:
- Failing to seek medical attention immediately
Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly. Delaying treatment can not only worsen your condition but also weaken your case by suggesting your injuries weren’t severe.
- Failing to keep detailed records
Keep detailed records of all medical treatments, expenses, lost wages, and any other relevant documents related to your injury including notes about the pain you are experiencing and how it is keeping you from your regular activities. This documentation will serve as evidence to support your claim.
- Admitting fault
Avoid admitting fault – even partial fault – for the accident or discussing the details of the accident with anyone other than your lawyer and medical professionals. Admitting fault could weaken your case.
- Signing off on a settlement without legal advice
Insurance companies may try to offer you a quick settlement right after the accident or have you sign documents that could limit your rights. Don’t let the insurance company take advantage of you! Always consult with a personal injury lawyer before signing anything. A lawyer can help you calculate the true value of your claim and ensure you get a fair settlement for your losses.
- Posting about your accident or injuries on social media
Refrain from posting about your accident or injuries on social media. Certainly, do not post anything that could imply that you are active and healthy. Insurance companies may use your posts against you to dispute your claims.
- Ignoring your doctor’s orders
Adhere to all prescribed treatments and follow your doctor’s advice regarding recovery. Failing to follow medical advice can be used by the defense to argue that your injuries aren’t as severe as claimed.
- Waiting too long to file a claim
Plaintiffs in Washington State generally have three years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury claim, so it’s essential to file your personal injury claim within the specified time frame. Waiting too long could result in your case being dismissed so you should not leave it until the last minute.
- Failing to consult with a personal injury attorney
An experienced personal injury attorney can guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and help maximize your compensation. They can also advise you on what not to do to avoid harming your case.
By avoiding these common mistakes and seeking the guidance of a skilled injury lawyer, you can improve your chances of a successful outcome in your personal injury case.
Contact a personal injury lawyer today!
An accident lawyer can help you recover a full and fair settlement for the injuries you sustained in an accident caused by the negligence of another with no up-front costs to you. We know the sneaky strategies used by insurance companies to get injured people to agree to settlements far below what they are worth. Our clients typically end up with a settlement or jury award that is five to ten times larger than they could have negotiated on their own. We have been representing injured people injured in Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County and Snohomish County since 1979. Contact the experienced and hard-working personal injury lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Mount Vernon, WA today for a FREE consultation!
