Mistakes to Avoid in a Personal Injury Case

A personal injury claim can give you justice after you have suffered physical and financial harm because of someone else’s negligence. However, you have to remember that your claim is under scrutiny. Insurance companies spend a lot of many trying to poke holes in personal injury claims and finding ways to deny payouts.

These are some of the most common mistakes we see when helping people with their personal injury claims. To discuss your case and get the aggressive representation you deserve, call Weaver Tidmore at 205-980-6065.

Settling Too Fast

One of the most common mistakes that accident victims make is settling with the insurance company too fast. It’s easy to be wooed by an insurance adjuster. They are excellent at appearing compassionate, getting information about the accident out of you, appearing concerned about your wellbeing, and ensuring you that the insurance company wants to do what’s right.

However, this is all to encourage you to accept a low settlement and sign a liability waiver. This means giving up your right to sue for damages in the future, and it’s often in exchange for an insultingly low settlement.

Instead of settling for the first amount they offer, hire a personal injury attorney before you even speak with them.

Being Too Open About Your Claim

Many people have active social media presences, which may extend to posting regular updates about their accident and injury progress, case updates, and more. This can be extremely damaging to your case. Insurance adjusters will look at any information they can find about you and find a way to twist it in their favor. Stay quiet and only discuss your case with your attorney and your medical care providers.

Similarly, do not talk to the other party about your claim or anyone representing them. This includes their attorney and their insurance company. All communication should go through your lawyer. Remember, no matter how much you are in the right, nothing you say to the other side will be used to absolve you or give you more money.

Ignoring Medical Advice

Going against your doctor’s recommendations can be very harmful to you in a personal injury case. It indicates that you don’t take your injuries seriously or truly want to heal, which gives the insurance company ammunition they can use to avoid paying you. Go to all recommended appointments, do the right exercises, and take the medications you are prescribed. Document everything you are told and everything you do in relation to your injuries.

Getting Back to Regular Life Too Quickly

“Getting back on the horse” is a good idea when you’re healing from a minor injury, but if you’ve been seriously injured in an accident, it’s a bad idea. Jumping right back into daily activities can delay your healing progress and make it appear that you aren’t as injured as you claim. Furthermore, going this route often means going against medical advice, which the insurance company will use as a reason to offer a low settlement. There will be time to get back to work, exercise, and other activities. For now, though, your most important job is healing.

Trying to DIY Your Case

The idea of doing your personal injury claim yourself is tempting. Instead of paying part of your payout to an attorney, you get to keep 100%. However, 100% of a tiny payout is not nearly as good as a smaller portion of a much larger payout. When you negotiate with the insurance company on your own, you could literally be giving away money.

The insurance adjusters have lots of experience chipping away at settlement offers until you’re forced to accept less than what you deserve. Instead of spending your time on the phone with insurance companies, choose an aggressive personal injury attorney who will fight for you while you heal.

Don’t Get Caught by These Common Mistakes—Contact Weaver Tidmore Today

Personal injury claims can help victims get back to normal life without the trauma of an accident holding them back. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve. To discuss your case with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys, contact Weaver Tidmore online or call us at 205-980-6065.