If you are injured in an automobile accident or in another situation where a different party is at fault for your injuries, you may be considering filing a personal injury lawsuit. These lawsuits can help you get the compensation you deserve after an accident, but if you’re unfamiliar with the complex system, you can end up jeopardizing the strength of your injury claim. In today’s blog, we take a look at five mistakes people sometimes make during their pursuit of a personal injury claim.
Personal Injury Claim Mistakes To Avoid
Nobody wants to get less than they deserve in a personal injury award or settlement, but it happens far too often because people make some simple mistakes during their pursuit of compensation. Make sure to avoid these common personal injury claim mistakes.
1. Not Hiring An Attorney – You may very well be able to secure a personal injury award on your own, but you will likely leave a lot of compensation on the table by trying to win your case on your own. Insurance adjusters love working against individuals without lawyers, because they are much more familiar with the system and know how to limit their liability. You may think that a $20,000 payout is fair, but if a lawyer could have gotten you $60,000, you’ll be disappointed that you tried to win your case on your own. Neglecting to hire a lawyer is one of the most commonly cited regrets of claimants who attempted to win a case on their own. Not only can a lawyer help maximize your award, but they handle all aspects of your case, so you can focus on your family and your health instead of injury law.
2. Not Pursuing Compensation Because You Were At Fault – Many people are surprised to learn that they can still pursue compensation for their injuries even if they were partly to blame for the accident or their injuries. The key is that you can’t hold the majority of the blame. If you played a causative role in the accident, but someone else holds a greater share of the blame, you can absolutely still seek compensation. Don’t believe otherwise.
3. Believing It Doesn’t Matter Who Is At Fault In A Car Accident – Minnesota is a No Fault state, meaning that you’ll typically file for compensation through your own car insurance policy, even if the other party was at fault. That said, there are $20,000 maximums for medical expenses and non-medical expenses after an accident. If your expenses surpass these thresholds, you can pursue additional compensation from the at-fault driver.
4. Giving A Statement Before Consulting A Lawyer – Many people mistakenly believe that the insurance company will always act in good faith to help you get what you are owed after an accident, especially if you’re filing a no fault claim through your own policy, but that’s simply not true. Insurance companies are always looking for ways to limit their liability and increase your liability so that they can pay out less to settle a claim. It pays to have a conversation with a lawyer about how to handle a phone conversation with an insurance adjuster to ensure you don’t accidentally provide them with evidence that could sink your claim.
5. Not Getting Medical Attention Right Away – Finally, if you are at all considering filing for injury compensation, or if you have been involved in an automobile accident, it’s imperative that you set up an evaluation with a doctor as soon as possible. Failing to get a medical evaluation can send up some red flags to the insurance company that will make it harder for you to get compensation in a timely manner. Also, our bodies release adrenaline during stressful moments, which can mask pain, so you may not even understand the true nature of your injuries until you get an evaluation. Get a medical evaluation as soon as possible if you’ve been injured as a result of someone else’s actions.
Nobody wants to make a mistake during their personal injury case, but insurance companies will be ready to pounce if they see a moment of opportunity. Don’t give them that chance. Instead, connect with Dean and the team at Margolis Law Firm and ensure you get the compensation you deserve. For more information, reach out to our team today at (952) 230-2700.
