If you've been injured in an accident, it's important to file a personal injury claim so that you can be compensated for the damages you've suffered. However, there are several common mistakes that people make during the claims process that can jeopardize their chances of receiving fair compensation. In this blog post, we'll discuss some of these mistakes and provide tips on how to avoid them.
1. Failing to Seek Medical Attention
One of the most common mistakes people make is failing to seek medical attention immediately after their accident. Even if you feel fine, it's important to get checked out by a healthcare professional. This will help you identify any injuries you may have sustained that you may not have been aware of. Additionally, failing to seek medical attention can make it difficult to link your injuries to the accident, which can hurt your chances of receiving compensation.
2. Waiting Too Long to File a Claim
Another common mistake is waiting too long to file a claim. In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is three years from the date of the accident. If you wait too long to file your claim, you may lose your right to pursue compensation altogether. It's best to speak with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after your accident to ensure that you don't miss any important deadlines.
3. Providing a Recorded Statement to Insurance Companies
Insurance companies may try to contact you soon after your accident and ask you to provide a recorded statement about what happened. It's important to avoid doing this without first speaking to an attorney. Insurance companies are not on your side and may try to use your statement against you later on. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate these conversations and avoid saying anything that could harm your case.
4. Posting About Your Accident on Social Media
Today, many people use social media to share updates about their lives. However, if you've been injured in an accident, it's best to avoid posting about it on social media. Insurance companies and defense attorneys can use your posts to argue that your injuries aren't as severe as you claim or that you were somehow responsible for the accident. It's best to err on the side of caution and avoid posting anything related to your accident until your case is resolved.
5. Accepting a Settlement Too Early
Finally, it's important not to accept a settlement offer too early in the process. Insurance companies may try to offer you a lowball settlement in the hopes that you'll accept it and avoid a lengthy legal battle. However, it's important to remember that once you accept a settlement, you can't go back and ask for more money later on. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you negotiate with the insurance company and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
Get the Legal Help You Need!
If you've been injured in an accident, it's important to avoid these common mistakes to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your damages. The attorneys at Kornbluth Ginsberg Law Group, P.A. have years of experience helping clients navigate the personal injury claims process.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you with your case.