When you are involved in a car accident and suffer injuries, or when you slip and fall in someone else’s property and are hurt, or when you suffer injuries in an accident through no fault of your own, you may not realize at the time that you have a right to seek compensation from whoever is at fault for what happened to you.
You may be so concerned by the fact that you are suddenly injured that you may not be able to think clearly about the expenses and financial distress you may experience as a result of the injuries. And even though you may eventually consult Personal Injury Attorneys, you may by then have made some mistakes that may end up jeopardizing your case
Read on to find out three common mistakes that victims of personal injuries tend to make so that you can avoid them when you find yourself in the same situation.
Not Calling the Police
You may decide not to call the police either because you think the accident was minor or because you don’t think your injuries are that important. This is a mistake because by calling the police to the scene of the accident, you will obtain a police report. This official document details what happened and also determines who was at fault for the accident. Your personal injury attorney and your insurance company will need a copy for your claim to proceed smoothly.
While you are at the scene, it is also essential to take pictures of everything that contributed to what happened. If it is a car accident, photograph both cars; otherwise, take pictures of anything you consider relevant. Exchange information with the other driver or the property owner and, if there are any witnesses around, interview them to get their testimonies and contact information.
Not Getting Medical Attention
Accident victims who are injured must get themselves checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible. This is important not only because your health should always be your priority but because it will be hard for you to convince your insurance company that you were severely injured if you never see a doctor. Also, your attorney needs a complete medical record of your injuries to include it in your claim.
You may be surprised to find out you have suffered internal injuries when the doctor examines you. These could be injuries that cause you long-term pain and other complications. Also, make sure to always follow your physician’s advice.
Not Working with a Personal Injury Attorney
Victims of personal injuries often make the mistake of believing that the other party will be happy to pay for their injuries, or they believe that their insurance companies will respond by giving them a very generous payment to deal with their injuries. These assumptions are mistaken, and thinking that the other party will likely not hire legal representation is also a mistake. You may end up being surprised to find out that the other party is actually suing you, and by then, it might be too late for you to get a personal injury attorney to build a strong case in your defense.