Whether you’ve been injured in an automobile accident, workplace accident or suffered any other type of injury, there are mistakes you should avoid in order to make certain you don’t accidentally weaken your claim.
Below are some suggestions of what you should NOT do.
DO NOT…
- …wait too long to report your injury. Whatever accident you’re involved in, you must report it immediately in order to prove that the accident is what actually caused your injury.
- …forget to document. It will be you and your attorney who must prove your case. Therefore, documentation is highly important in every step of your injury case. Document exactly what happened at the time of the accident, which includes taking pictures and writing down information from witnesses. Also, don’t forget to document any pain and suffering, doctor’s bills and other information that will may be important to your case.
- …skip a doctor’s visit or fail to follow the doctor’s orders. You should see a physician immediately after an accident to confirm the extent of your injuries, get treatment and obtain proof that the accident is what caused your problem. Also, be sure to follow the doctor’s instructions.
- …accept a settlement without seeking legal counsel. It’s in your best interests not to give information or make statements to an insurance company without first seeking advice from your lawyer. Insurance companies want you to make damaging statements so that they can pay you less money.
- …lie or conceal information. As your parents always told you, be honest. If you’re dishonest, it can come back to haunt you in your injury case.
- …forget to take pictures at the accident scene. In an automobile wreck or any other accident, you should take pictures and avoid moving anything until the police or other witnesses are able to see exactly what happened to you.
- …handle your case on your own. Trying to win a case on your own can be very difficult. Having an experienced lawyer to guide you through this process typically results in a better result. Hiring a bad attorney, however, is just as bad as not hiring one at all, so be sure to choose wisely.