While coping with the consequences of an accident such as a car accident, slip and fall, or a motorcyclist injury you can find yourself in a very vulnerable position. Personal injuries claims differ and it can become confusing, especially when the person has never dealt with the law before. However, there are some mistakes which, if committed, can negatively influence your case and, therefore, it is important to avoid them as follows:
Not Going Straight to a Doctor or a Medical Facility
Perhaps one of the most important things to do after an accident is to ensure that one gets to the hospital immediately. In case you don’t have any obvious signs that you have been injured or if you feel slightly okay you should seek medical help. There are some injuries such as a head injury, a brain injury, internal bleeding among others that may not be well seen yet they may have adverse effects if not treated. Lack of early medical treatment is also another way that can reduce your chances of winning your personal injury claim since it will be regarded as though your injuries were not serious or that they were not as a result of the accident.
A Case for Negligence of the Accident includes Failing to Document the Accident.
Another measure that most people fail to take is the creation of a record of the occurrence of the accident. This involves snapping pictures of the incidence, getting an ID from the eye witnesses and reporting the incidence to the police. These records can as well prove invaluable in case the case proceeds to the court of law.
For instance, if you are involved in a motorcycle accident proving that you have injuries or that the accident actually happened may be proven by taking photos of the scene as well as your injuries. This evidence can be utilized by a Chicago personal injury attorney in order to make a strong case regarding the incident. Especially when there are no records, it often comes down to he said, she said, which does not help when trying to establish one’s innocence.
Fail to use the services of a personal injury lawyer
Self representation in a personal injury case can be very overwhelming as one is likely to encounter insurance companies and legal forms. A lot of people walk around believing that they can handle everything without any assistance and then quickly discover that they are in over their heads. It goes without saying that hiring a personal injury attorney in Chicago can be very advantageous. A professional lawyer is aware of the provisions of the personal injury law, how to deal with the insurance companies and what is likely to hurt the chances of the case.
Settling Too Quickly
Following the accident you may be forced to not only rush to begin the auto claims process but also rush to get your claim processed as you feel the heat from medical bills or lost wages. Nevertheless, a premature settlement can be a great blunder. Insurance companies provide what is called a lowball offer in the belief that you will be ignorant of your losses or the severity of your injuries and take the money.
Harm, for instance, a motorcycle accident, has secondary consequences that may not be felt at the scene of the disaster. If you set the claim too soon, you will not get the money that will be essential in the future such as medical care and rehabilitation services. A Chicago personal injury attorney should be consulted before accepting any offers to avoid going for a raw deal.
The dangers of giving Insurance Adjusters too much data
In a car accident, one may get a call from an insurance adjuster and get a briefing of the incident. Thus, it is necessary to cooperate, but it is necessary to be very careful with what you tell them. Insurance adjusters are educated to protect their employer’s dollar and they can spin your words against you at a later stage. Do not speak to the other party’s insurance company or anyone else about the particulars of your injuries or the incident without the consent of a lawyer. Every Chicago personal injury lawyer will explain to you how to manage dealings with insurance companies because it is possible to make matters worse.
Deviation from what the doctor has prescribed
However, it is also important to appreciate the doctor and the medical advice he or she has to offer in the best way possible and that is by adhering to the instructions of the doctor. This includes physical examinations, follow up visits, use of prescribed drugs and chemicals and compliance with treatment schedules and therapies which the physician recommends. This should not be the case as failure to do so not only jeopardizes your recovery but also your personal injury claim.
Insurance companies may take the umbrage of arguing that your injuries are not as serious as you want them to be if you fail to heed your doctor’s advice. That is why any injuries incurred on a motorcycle, for instance, will need a lot of rehabilitation, and missing these steps will decrease your compensation considerably. Although the plan of treatment is not the outcome of illness, your compliance with it demonstrates your concern towards your cure which supplements your argument.
Pleading Ignorant To The Statute Of Limitations
Every state has its own rule of limitation, which suggests the time within which you are required to file a personal injury claim. In Illinois though the two year period applied depends on the date of the particular accident. If you do not file your claim before this period elapses, then you stand to be locked out of your chance of getting compensation. They mostly affect people who take what they are doing lightly and do not have any idea on time’s value until they find that it is too late. Hiring a Chicago personal injury attorney can be useful in making certain that your claim is submitted on time and that all relevant paperwork is done accurately.
Conclusion
Litigating an injury claim is not very easy, but if you avoid the above-stated blunders, then you keep your prospects of a positive result on the right track. Patients must not forget to consult a healthcare provider, write down all possible incidents, and consult with a knowledgeable lawyer. This is particularly so if you are involved in motorcycle accidents or a different kind of accident, and the early stages determine your chances of healing and, by extension, the amount you will be paid.