6 Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Indiana Personal Injury Case
If you have suffered a personal injury and decided to take legal action to seek justice, there are some common mistakes that you should be aware of. Taking the time to understand these mistakes will allow you to make informed decisions throughout the process.
This article will discuss six common personal injury lawsuit mistakes and how they can be avoided in Indiana. We will also provide valuable information on hiring an experienced attorney, understanding the legal process, and how to position yourself for success best.
Forgetting to File a Police Report After an Accident
If you are involved in any type of accident that results in injury, it is imperative to document the event as soon as possible. It is important to call 9-1-1 immediately after the incident occurs.
The police officers arriving on the scene can take statements from all parties involved, document witness accounts, and take pictures of damaged vehicles or any property damage. Once the responding officers file a police report, it should be provided to both your insurance company and the other motorist’s insurance carrier for their reference.
To ensure the accuracy of the information documented at the scene of an accident, provide descriptions of any property damage along with photos or videos, if possible, for veracity.
Not Hiring a Professional Personal Injury Lawyer
After an accident resulting in personal injuries, it is unwise not to hire a professional lawyer. A personal injury attorney in Gary will have the knowledge and experience needed to assess the situation properly and determine what legal action should be taken.
They will also have access to resources such as medical expert witnesses, financial planners, and other legal professionals who can help ensure that you receive the best possible outcome from your case. It is also important to note that there are time limits on filing claims for compensation, so if you act quickly enough, you may receive compensation at all.
Losing Evidence and Key Documents
Creating a detailed account of your personal injury incident is essential for a successful personal injury claim. In addition to providing police and medical records, you should collect witness statements, contact details, and any supporting photographs demonstrating the extent of the injury and its cause.
Doing so will help you accurately recall the incident in case it goes to trial and strengthen your case by presenting concrete evidence of how the other party was at fault.
Not Seeking Medical Attention Immediately After an Accident
A medical professional should always be consulted after any accident to ensure no serious injuries have occurred. Seeking medical attention is an important step in the process of recovering from a personal injury.
Doing so will allow for a thorough assessment by competent healthcare professionals, who can then diagnose any potential conditions and provide appropriate treatment. X-rays and other tests may be conducted to determine the severity of the injury, and this information should be documented in your medical file.
Additionally, some symptoms associated with an accident might not manifest until a few days later, making it even more critical to seek medical attention immediately to receive an accurate diagnosis and begin treatment as soon as possible.
Signing Any Documents That Are Brought to You
When faced with signing documents related to a personal injury, you must consult with your Indiana personal injury attorney before signing anything. Being presented with legal paperwork can be overwhelming and intimidating, but it’s important to take the time necessary to understand what you are being asked to sign properly.
Anything from insurance forms and waivers to settlement agreements should not be signed until an experienced professional has had the opportunity to review them with you. Your attorney will assess all the information presented to protect your rights and ensure that you are making an informed decision about how best to proceed.
Be sure to note that if the other party involved pressures you into signing something before consulting with an attorney, it’s best practice not to acquiesce. Don’t allow yourself to feel rushed or pressured regarding legal matters – take the time necessary to thoroughly understand what is being presented before signing anything.
Agreeing on a Settlement Amount
Insurance companies have perfected the art of denying claims and settling them for less than they are worth. This is done through strategies like creating bonus structures and incentives for adjusters, so they can settle claims at an amount lower than the true value.
Insurance companies use their vast experience in dealing with thousands of these types of claims each year to assess how much lower than the fair value they can offer. Basically, this means that you must be aware of your rights and do due diligence to protect yourself when filing a claim against an insurance company.
Move Forward In Your Claim With Care
Following an accident, it is important to take the proper steps to protect your rights. Neglecting any of the steps we listed above could be detrimental in the long run and cause further complications. Therefore, taking appropriate action following an accident is important to protect all legal rights.