Making an accident claim can be a daunting and complex process, with many potential pitfalls. Even if you think that you have done everything right, there are common mistakes that could mean the difference between getting the compensation you deserve or missing out entirely. To help ensure your best chance of success, it is important to get advice and assistance from an experienced attorney who specializes in personal injury law. With their knowledge and expertise, they can help guide you through the claims process, helping to avoid any costly errors along the way.
In this blog post, we will look at some of the most common mistakes people make when filing a claim for damages following an accident, as well as how working with an attorney can help protect your rights and maximize your chances of success.
Not Knowing What Damages You Can Pursue
When it comes to making a claim, not many people understand the different types of damages they may be eligible for. In addition to medical expenses, you may also be able to pursue compensation for lost wages, pain, suffering, loss of consortium, emotional distress, and more. A good attorney will help ensure that all your damages are identified and accounted for in your claim so that you receive full and fair compensation.
This is particularly important if you have suffered a life-altering injury, as compensation for long-term care or rehabilitative services can be considerably higher than the costs associated with immediate medical attention. This is unfortunately common after truck accidents, as the size and weight of the vehicles involved can often lead to catastrophic injuries. Therefore, most injury claims involving truck accidents include more than just medical expenses. Luckily, with an experienced attorney, you can be sure that all damages are appropriately accounted for.
Failing To Notify The Proper Parties
After an accident, it is important to notify the proper parties as soon as possible. This includes contacting the police if the incident involves a vehicle accident, informing your insurance company, and notifying any witnesses or persons involved who may help provide information about the incident. Additionally, you should seek out medical attention right away, even if you don’t think you’ve been injured.
However, the aftermath of an accident can be so confusing and overwhelming that many people fail to do these things promptly, or don’t do them at all. This can have serious consequences for the outcome of your claim. An attorney experienced in personal injury lawyer understands the importance of taking immediate action after an accident and will help ensure that you properly notify all relevant parties. So, before you do anything else, contact an attorney for help.
Missing Important Deadlines
When it comes to filing a claim, there are strict deadlines that must be met to be eligible for compensation. In most states, the statute of limitations is typically two years from the date of the accident. However, depending on your state and the type of case, this time frame can vary.
Missing a deadline could mean that you are forever barred from recovering damages for your injuries and losses. To avoid any unfortunate surprises, an attorney will help ensure that you meet all deadlines associated with making a claim. They will also take care of filing all necessary paperwork on your behalf while keeping a close eye on the timeline to make sure nothing is missed or overlooked.
Accepting An Unfair Settlement Offer
After being involved in an accident, insurance companies may try to settle quickly by offering what could seem like a generous settlement—but it may not be enough to cover your medical bills and other expenses related to the accident. An experienced attorney understands the ins and outs of personal injury law and can help you evaluate any settlement offer to make sure that you are receiving fair compensation for your losses.
Additionally, some insurance companies may try to deny your claim altogether, leaving you with no recourse. An attorney will be able to navigate the legal process and challenge any attempts by the insurance company to either limit or completely deny your claim. Luckily, personal injury lawyers have experience with dealing with insurance companies and negotiating favorable settlements, so you are in good hands.
Neglecting Evidence Collection
The evidence you collect will be crucial in proving your case and securing the compensation you deserve. However, collecting evidence is a time-consuming process that can easily get overlooked if not handled correctly. An attorney has the resources and expertise to collect all relevant evidence necessary for your claim, including medical records, police reports, witness testimony, photographic or video evidence, and other related material.
They may also help connect you to experts who can provide additional professional opinions or testimony to further strengthen your case. By taking the burden off of you and handling all evidence collection, an attorney will give you peace of mind while also increasing your chances of success.
In conclusion, involving a personal injury lawyer in your case can help protect your rights and maximize your chances of success. They can ensure that you notify the proper parties, meet all necessary deadlines, challenge unfair settlement offers, and collect the evidence needed to prove your claim. If you’ve been injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness, don’t try to go through it alone—contact a qualified attorney today for help and guidance.