Personal Injury Attorneys: Getting What You Deserve

Mistakes To Avoid When Pursuing Auto Accident Compensation

28 July 2023

Laurie Flores

Pursuing an auto accident claim is not as simple as some people believe. Simple mistakes can cost you dearly. Below are some mistakes to avoid.

1. Assuming You Will Get the Compensation You Deserve

In an ideal world, you would present your case and get the compensation you deserve without too much hustle. In the real world, you must work hard to get this compensation. The defendant, through their insurance company, will do everything possible to minimize or deny your compensation.

Insurance companies have several reasons for acting this way. First, you must prove that your case is genuine – people can present fake claims, and the insurance company or court cannot just take you at your word. Secondly, inflated claims affect everyone, including ordinary people who might have to pay higher insurance rates. Lastly, insurance companies are for-profit businesses.

Thus, you need evidence to prove your injury, the defendant's liability, and damages. Relevant evidence includes:

• Eyewitness testimony
• Expert testimony
• Pictures and videos of the accident
• Police accident report
• Medical records

A lawyer can help you gather, preserve, and use the evidence to prove your claim; don't assume you will easily settle your case.

2. Talking Too Much

Talking too much about your case is dangerous unless you talk to your lawyer. For example, saying too much to the insurance agent is dangerous because you might unknowingly say something that hurts your claim. You should especially be careful about giving statements without your lawyer or giving signed statements.

Similarly, talking about your accident to third parties is inadvisable because the information might get back to the insurance company. The insurance company can even subpoena your colleagues or friends as witnesses if they have information that can hurt your case.

Lastly, posting things on social media is also unwise because social media postings are public information. For example, the insurance company might use pictures of you dancing at a party to prove that your injuries are not as serious as you claim.

3. Not Being Thorough With Your Medical Treatment

Your medical treatment can make or break your case. Thorough and efficient medical treatment can strengthen your case by helping you prove that:

• You suffered significant injuries in the accident
• You took immediate measures to get medical treatment
• You mitigated your damages by following your doctor's recommendations fully

On the other hand, negligent medical care weakens your case. For example, the defendant can argue that you contributed to your damages if you ignored your doctor's recommendation to consult an orthopedist.

Reach out to a vehicle accident injury attorney near you to learn more.

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