Suffering a personal injury can be devastating.
You’re likely in a lot of pain, have high medical bills, and wonder when you’ll be able to return to work.
All of that stress can cause you to make mistakes that may harm your chances of getting a fair settlement.
Below, the Baltimore personal injury lawyers from Greenberg Law Offices explains some of the most common mistakes individuals make after suffering a serious injury as the result of someone’s negligence:
Mistake #1: Failing to Talk to Witnesses
After an accident, one of the first things you should do is see if you can locate anyone who witnessed how someone else’s actions caused your injury.
Be sure to get their names and contact information. If you are forced to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party, the witnesses can testify in court on your behalf.
Mistake #2: Not Taking Pictures
As the old saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words.
If you are physically able to do so, take photos of the accident scene.
For example, if you were involved in a car accident, take pictures of the damage to your vehicle, nearby traffic signs, the other vehicles involved in the accident, and any skid marks on the road. If you are unable to take photos, ask a bystander to do it for you.
Your attorney will need these photos to supplement your injury claim or lawsuit.
Mistake #3: Not Getting Prompt Medical Attention
If you were involved in an accident, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Injuries such as whiplash don’t necessarily present symptoms until days or weeks after an accident.
A doctor can determine the extent of your injuries and develop a treatment plan. Don’t put your health in jeopardy by waiting too long to get examined.
A delay can also hurt your chances of getting a settlement. The reason for this is that an insurance company may not believe that you’re actually hurt if you waited too long to see a physician and deny your claim.
Your personal injury lawyer will need to see your medical records. Also, save all of your treatment and injury related receipts and invoices for your lawyer.
Mistake #4: Waiting Too Long to File a Claim
Every state has a statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim.
Some years may give you a deadline of four years to file while others may only give you two. Once that deadline has passed, you will no longer have the right to pursue compensation. That’s why you should file your claim as soon as you can.
Talk to a personal injury lawyer for support to learn more about how the deadline will affect your claim.
Mistake #5: Thinking That You Don’t Need a Personal Injury Lawyer
Even if your case seems pretty straightforward, you don’t want to handle it on your own. Complications can arise during the process that you may not know how to deal with on your own. An experienced personal injury lawyer can build a strong case on your behalf as well as negotiate with insurance companies and protect your rights.
Contact Our Baltimore Personal Injury Lawyers
If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you don’t have to navigate this process on your own.
The decisions you make early on can directly impact your health, your finances, and your ability to recover full compensation. Our Baltimore personal injury lawyers can guide you through each step, protect your rights, and handle the complexities of dealing with insurance companies so you can focus on healing.
Reach out today for a consultation and get the support you need to move forward with confidence.
