When you suffer a personal injury, it can be a life-changing event that leaves you feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about what to do next. You may seek legal counsel and file a personal injury claim to recover damages, but even then, it’s important to avoid common mistakes that many accident victims make. In this post, we’ll discuss the top 10 mistakes people make after a personal injury claim in Pennsylvania, and how to avoid them.
- Not seeking medical treatment: After an accident, it’s crucial to seek medical attention, even if you don’t feel any immediate pain or injuries. Delaying medical care can harm your case as your injuries may be perceived as less severe, and you may lose out on compensation.
- Giving a recorded statement: You may think that giving a recorded statement to the insurance company is a mandatory part of the claims process. However, it’s important to know that what you say in a recorded statement can be used against you later on. It’s best to speak with a personal injury lawyer first before giving any statements.
- Posting on social media: Social media has become a prevalent part of our lives, but it can also harm your case if you post anything that contradicts your injuries or accident claim. Insurance companies will look at your social media, and they can use it as evidence to reduce your compensation.
- Setting unrealistic expectations: A personal injury claim is not a get-rich-quick scheme. It’s important to have realistic expectations about your case’s outcome and understand that it can be a lengthy and complex process.
- Trusting the insurance adjuster: An insurance adjuster may be friendly and empathetic, but their job is to protect the insurance company’s bottom line. It’s essential to remember that they are not on your side and may try to settle your case for less than its actual worth.
- Not keeping track of expenses: You’ll need to provide evidence of your medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs related to your injury to support your claim. Keeping extensive records of all related expenses can help you get the compensation you deserve.
- Failing to document the accident: Documentation such as photographs, police reports, and witness statements can support your case and help establish liability. Failing to gather this information can harm your claim.
- Signing a release too soon: Insurance companies may offer you a quick settlement in exchange for your signature on a release. Once you sign, you’ll lose the ability to seek any additional claim-related damages.
- Not hiring a personal injury lawyer: Insurance companies have lawyers working for them who are skilled at minimizing payouts. Without a personal injury lawyer on your side, you may lose out on needed compensation.
- Waiting too long to file a claim: Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is 2 years. Failing to file within this time frame can bar you from seeking compensation.
If you’ve suffered a personal injury in Pennsylvania, filing a claim can be a critical step in getting the compensation you deserve. However, it’s essential to avoid the common mistakes discussed in this post that may harm your case. By seeking medical attention, documenting the accident, hiring a personal injury lawyer, and keeping detailed expense records, you can increase your chances of a favorable outcome. Remember, patience is key, and it’s easy to get frustrated with the process. So take things one step at a time, be patient, and consult a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer to guide you through the process.