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Filing a personal injury claim after being involved in an accident can seem intimidating at first, but working with an attorney specializing in your injury type can help you win the settlement that you deserve for your damages and emotional distress. Whether you were injured in a car accident, slip and fall, by using a defective product, or while on a business property, you have the right to seek compensation for your financial losses and pain and suffering. There are some mistakes you should avoid since they can cause you to lose your personal injury claim.

Failure to Seek Medical Help

People who are in pain or concerned about their health will want to seek relief; at least, that’s what the auto insurance companies think. For this reason, many require that accidents must be reported within 24-72 hours and that victims must seek medical attention within 14 days. Although waiting longer than two weeks to see a doctor does not automatically disqualify you from receiving compensation for your damages, you will want to speak to a lawyer about how you can receive compensation if you waited longer than the recommended time.

Saying The Wrong Thing to the Insurance Company

Claims adjusters know that individuals who do not practice law are less likely to know their rights. Since they are for-profit companies, they’re focused on their bottom line rather than on your claim. As a result, they are notorious for trying to get accident victims to admit fault or agree to a lower settlement than they deserve. A personal injury attorney has your best interest at heart and can speak to the insurance company on your behalf. The insurance company will not treat your attorney the same way they treat an everyday person.

Misrepresenting Your Injuries

Overstating or understating your injuries can negatively impact your personal injury claim. Some injured victims do not want to admit they’re hurt, which results in them getting less than they deserve or having their case dismissed completely. By contrast, if you overstate your injuries, then the insurance company will assume that you are using your personal injury claim for financial gain rather than as a means to receive rightful compensation for the damages and losses you incurred.

Posting About Your Accident on Social Media

Be careful what you post about your accident since it can be used against you in settlement negotiations or in court. If you post an image of you looking healthy, happy, and fine shortly after your accident, then they will argue that you’re overstating your injuries. Don’t discuss any details about your accident online or share images you took at the scene of the accident. It’s understandable that friends and family will want to know about your health and recovery after your accident, so ask your attorney before you post anything online that could be misconstrued by the insurance company.

Not Hiring A Personal Injury Attorney

Unforeseen problems can arise even if a case seems straightforward. Court TV shows and legal procedurals make the law seem more simplistic than it really is. You don’t want to face an unexpected legal issue without the help of an experienced attorney who specializes in personal injury law. Click to learn more about personal injury law and how legal representation can help you recover your damages so you can move forward from this tragedy.