If you suffer injuries in a car crash, slip and fall accident, or any other incident due to another party’s negligence, you have a right to hold them accountable via a personal injury claim. A successful claim can help you recover compensation for losses such as medical expenses, lost income, reduced earning capacity, and pain and suffering.
However, many injury victims in Missouri unwittingly harm their claims by failing to take the proper steps. Protecting your chances of receiving the full and fair compensation you deserve entails consulting an experienced Missouri personal injury attorney and avoiding the following common mistakes.
Mistake #1: Failing to Seek Prompt Medical Attention
Seeking immediate medical attention after a personal injury is crucial, even if your injuries seem minor. Delaying medical treatment can lead to the worsening of your condition and make it more difficult to prove that someone else’s negligence caused your injuries. Insurance companies may try to argue that your injuries stemmed from a different cause or pre-existing condition if you waited too long to get checked out.
Additionally, following your doctor’s advice and keeping detailed records of all medical treatments, prescriptions, and out-of-pocket expenses is essential for building a strong personal injury case and improving your chances of receiving fair compensation for your medical costs.
Mistake #2: Providing a Recorded Statement to Insurance Companies
Insurance companies are not on your side after an accident. Their goal is to minimize payouts and protect their profits. Providing a recorded statement without consulting an attorney first is a common mistake that can severely undermine your personal injury claim. Insurance adjusters may use leading questions or try to get you to say something that downplays the severity of your injuries or implies you were partially at fault.
Even seemingly innocuous statements can be twisted and used against you later. It’s best to politely refuse to give a recorded statement and let your attorney handle all communication with the insurance company. An experienced personal injury lawyer will know how to protect your rights and prevent you from saying anything that could jeopardize your claim.
Mistake #3: Accepting the First Settlement Offer
Insurance companies often make low initial settlement offers hoping that injury victims will accept them out of desperation or a lack of understanding of their claim’s true value. However, these first offers rarely account for the full extent of your losses, including future medical expenses, lost earning capacity, and non-economic losses like pain and suffering.
As soon as you accept a settlement, you forfeit your right to pursue further compensation, even if your injuries end up being more severe or long-lasting than initially anticipated. Before accepting any settlement offer, have an experienced personal injury attorney evaluate your case and negotiate with the insurance company for a fair settlement that accounts for all your current and future losses. Accepting an inadequate settlement can leave you struggling with mounting medical bills and other financial burdens down the road.
Mistake #4: Posting About the Accident on Social Media
In today’s social media-driven world, it can feel tempting to share details about your personal injury accident and recovery process online. However, this is a mistake that can severely undermine your claim. Insurance companies may review your social media accounts looking for posts or photos that contradict your version of events or suggest your injuries aren’t as severe as claimed. Even innocuous or unrelated posts can be taken out of context and used against you. It’s best to refrain from posting anything about your accident or injuries on social media until your case is resolved.
Contact Privette Law Office Today
Knowing what steps to take and what mistakes to avoid can feel overwhelming, particularly when you are still recovering from an injury. This is one of the primary reasons it’s essential to work with an experienced and knowledgeable Missouri personal injury attorney who can work to advance and protect your claim while you focus on healing.
The skilled Missouri personal injury attorneys at Privette Law Office have been fighting for the rights of injured individuals in southern Missouri for decades. With us on your side, you will have the support and advocacy you need as you seek the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you.