Understanding The Challenges After A Personal Injury
After undergoing a personal injury, you will have a lot to deal with. This may include the pain that you are going through following your injury, distress caused by the act of the injury, appointments with physicians, and more. Another important matter that you will have to deal with is deciding if you want to speak with a Dallas, TX personal injury lawyer regarding your case. Sometimes, in the process of filing charges after a personal injury claim, people do not get the sum of money they deserve or even have their case dismissed. This is caused by mistakes made when filing and setting up a personal injury claim. When dealing with personal injury cases, it is important to start as early as possible; if you wait too long, there are several ways that your case can be jeopardized. I will go over in depth the mistakes people make when undergoing personal injury cases, whether it be timing or other factors.
Failing To Seek Immediate Medical Care
The first and arguably one of the most detrimental mistakes people make is waiting to obtain medical care. Sometimes, if the accident is not what the victim feels is very serious, they will wait to seek medical care or not at all. This also includes people who are sent to an emergency room right away following their accident but fail to seek medical treatment after their emergency room visit. If you fail to seek medical attention or fail to attend future treatments, this could weaken your case, making it seem like your injuries are not severe enough for the claim you deserve. If you wait, it may also take longer for a physician to properly diagnose your injuries or treatments, and this would also affect your potential settlement. It is important to make sure you get what you deserve by taking necessary medical steps as soon and as quickly as possible.
Not Preserving Evidence Of The Accident
Next is an aspect that many people fail to keep—evidence of the accident or anything relating to it. Following a personal injury, it is important to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the other party is responsible. Photos of the incident, whether it be damage to property, yourself, or the conditions that led to your injury, can prove to be vital to your case. If possible, take photos of the incident immediately or as quickly as you can to demonstrate the hazardous conditions or your injuries in their most critical stage. If you fail to provide these images of the environment that led to your injury, your injury, or other critical elements of your case, it could be an extreme detriment to your claim. Another type of evidence that some people lose track of is medical discharge paperwork or other medical forms that prove your injuries and treatment at a hospital. Keeping all evidence, no matter how small or seemingly unimportant, is imperative to the structure and development of your case.
Posting On Social Media During Your Case
People may think that following an injury, it is important to update social media to let others know that they are okay. However, anything that you post online is public, and your words—which may feel necessary to share at the time—can be used against you by the defending party. For example, if you let your online following know that you are okay, this may be used against you by the defense to prove that your injuries are less severe. Similarly, if you are genuinely taking it easy after treatment but do not want to miss a special event like a wedding or a party and you attend and take photos of yourself, the defense can use those photos to argue that your injuries were not as serious. Until your case is resolved, it is important to limit your usage of social media, as any photo or video you post can cause damage to your case.
Accepting A Quick Settlement From The Insurance Company
It is common following an injury, such as a car accident, that the insurance company of the defendant may provide you with a settlement offer right after the accident. What they list as their settlement may seem like a lot of money at the time; however, expenses such as car repairs, medical bills, and lost wages are extremely expensive, especially if you cannot return to work soon after your injury. This is why it is extremely important to speak with an attorney after your accident to avoid getting shortchanged by the insurance company. In the end, insurance companies aim to settle quickly and at the lowest cost possible. If you do receive an offer from an insurance company, know that they are not on your side—they are acting in their own self-interest.
Taking Action Early For The Best Outcome
Everything considered, the most important factor when dealing with a personal injury case is time. If you act quickly—taking photos of evidence, keeping records, and contacting an attorney—you will have a much better chance of success in your case. Brandy Austin Law Firm is here to help. It is important to take these cases seriously and get what you deserve. We offer free consultations and have 24/7 live answering. Reach out to us today.
References
Winningham, W. K. (2024, December 6). Avoid These 7 Mistakes in Your Personal Injury Case. https://www.wkw.com/how-to-hire-a-lawyer/blog/mistakes-to-avoid-personal-injury-claim/