If you’ve been hurt in an accident and are seeking compensation, it can be a confusing process. Knowing your rights and what to expect should always come first, so understanding the responsible party’s legal obligations is key to getting the money you need to move on with your life.
Unfortunately, there are some common mistakes people make when pursuing this kind of situation that often put them at a disadvantage. From overlooking time limitations to not appreciating the burden of proof needed for damages, here is everything you need to know about minimizing these missteps when attempting to get fair financial remuneration after an accident.
Not Consulting A Lawyer
It’s understandable to want to save money and time, but when it comes to an accident or a personal injury, consulting a lawyer is something you definitely don’t want to skip out on. Although this can sound redundant, many people seem to forget that experienced lawyers are specially trained in the areas of law that apply to your specific situation and can provide valuable advice on how to proceed. Going without legal counsel can end up being very costly or even result in a less-than-favorable outcome. Don’t take any chances; speak with a lawyer if involved in an accident.
Forgetting To File A Claim On Time
Failing to submit a claim in a timely manner, or worse — not filing one at all — can seriously impede your ability to receive the compensation that you are owed.
Depending on your circumstances, there may be legal statutes of limitation for when and how quickly you must submit paperwork, with deadlines that could potentially be as short as two weeks from the incident or discovery. It is always ideal to reach out to expert professionals who can provide guidance so that further loss of time does not put your rights and future in jeopardy.
Neglecting To Take Pictures And Videos
Many of us can relate to accidentally forgetting to take a picture or video of something that happened in our surroundings.
Depending on the case, there may be potential legal implications if an accident were to occur down the road and no visuals exist to prove what happened. It’s important to realize that taking pictures and videos doesn’t just capture digital representations, it’s about capturing proof that may not have another chance at being recorded.
Admitting Fault
Coming to terms with what has happened and owning a mistake is a sign of integrity and strength, not weakness. But sometimes, admitting fault is not the best course of action, especially if you just suffered from an accident and seeking compensation for it.
Before acting on your own, consult your insurance company or lawyer to know exactly how you should proceed.
Not Keeping Any Records Of All Medical Treatments And Expenses Related To The Accident
After an accident, keeping detailed records of all medical treatments and expenses is extremely important. By organizing invoices and medical receipts, a person can ensure that they are paying the correct amount for their visits and help streamline the process of obtaining reimbursement from insurance companies. Additionally, a comprehensive record of all treatments and costs provides an organized way to check for any billing errors or insurance underpayments.
Unfortunately, when these records are not kept, it becomes much more difficult to get reimbursement for certain expenses and could even lead to costly mistakes down the line.
Accepting The First Settlement
Accidents may be quite stressful and accepting the first settlement might sound like an excellent way to just get rid of the problem and move on. However, this is not always the best course of action.
Although this initial offer may appear appealing, you should always review their legal options, research similar cases, and consult with a lawyer before accepting or rejecting any offers.
Don’t forget to weigh all legal costs associated with pursuing further settlements against the possibility of ultimately obtaining more compensation.
Other Mistakes To Avoid When Dealing With An Accident
After any kind of accident, it is important to stay focused and try to prevent making other mistakes. Understandably, the shock of being injured can make it difficult to think clearly, but it is critical to remain composed and talk to the right people. Here’s what else you should avoid when dealing with such a stressful situation.
Not Calling The Police Or Forgetting To Report To Authorities
In certain instances, not reporting to the authorities can have repercussions that are difficult to undo. For instance, if an accident has occurred and one of the parties involved chooses not to call the police, they may be liable for any damages since there would be no official record.
Even if both sides come to an agreement at the moment, future complications could arise down the line regarding payment or injury repair costs due to a lack of evidence.
Waiting A Long Time Before Seeking Medical Treatment
Delaying care could prevent a patient from receiving the full range of available treatments and approaches to rehabilitation, which could minimize their recovery time as well as long-term impacts.
In extreme cases, waiting too long without treatment can even cause additional lead to physical impairments or death in more serious circumstances. It’s important to seek medical help as soon as possible after any kind of injury or accident to ensure that the condition does not worsen, and so one can receive the best care and advice for recovery.
Believing Insurance Companies Side With You
You probably believe that insurance companies will always be on your side. The truth is: that’s not always the case. That’s why finding the right insurance company is crucial.
The most suitable insurance company for your needs must help you explore all of your options so that you are in the best possible position to get the maximum payout possible.
Make sure to get multiple quotes from different companies so you know for certain which one is offering the best deal for your individual needs. Finally, don’t be afraid to negotiate or haggle with your insurance company to ensure you receive a satisfactory resolution.
Oversharing The Accident Details With Others
It’s easy to make the mistake of oversharing details about an accident with others. Sometimes, even friends and family that are able to give you the best support are not always the best judge in this situation.
Accidents are not only frustrating and inconvenient but can be very expensive. It’s important to do everything you can to ensure that you have the best outcome from any legal proceedings. By avoiding the mistakes outlined in this blog post, it is possible to maintain your legal rights while being compensated fairly for damages suffered due to an accident.
