If you have been injured because of someone else’s negligence, you will need to file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. From here, the process can become very complicated very quickly – with plenty of common pitfalls along the way. While your claim will be utterly unique to you and the circumstances involved in the accident that left you injured, there are three very common and very damaging mistakes that every personal injury claimant should carefully avoid.
One: Believing You Cannot Afford an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
In actuality, one of the most important steps you can take to help ensure that you obtain just compensation – and provide yourself with the best chance for a full recovery – is to work closely with a dedicated personal injury attorney who will aggressively advocate for your legal rights and the compensation to which you are entitled. Additionally, the majority of respected personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means they do not get paid unless you either settle or receive an award from the court (if your case goes to trial).
Two: Fearing that You Are Headed for Court
Many claimants are frightened by the prospect of going to court, but there is no need to be. The vast majority of personal injury claims are settled out of court, and yours is likely to do the same. Your dedicated personal injury attorney will only advise you to proceed to court if there is a compelling reason for doing so – if, for example, the insurance company refuses to negotiate in good faith.
Three: Failing to Address the Full Array of Your Damages in Your Claim
You have been injured by someone else’s negligence, and you are facing a difficult journey toward recovery. The best way to help achieve your goals as they relate to your health and well-being is through just compensation, but you will not be able to accomplish this if your claim does not address your damages in their entirety. Consider all of the following categories of loss:
Property damage (if your vehicle was damaged in a traffic accident, for example)
Medical expenses that can add up quickly and can stretch into the future
Lost wages that can evolve into lost earning potential
Physical and emotional pain and suffering
Leaving any element of your damages out – or failing to address each fully – can leave you without the resources you need to fully recover.