If you’re ever involved in an accident and sustain injuries, you have the right to file a personal injury claim and seek compensation for your damages. However, filing a personal injury claim isn’t always easy, especially if you’re not familiar with the legal process. Moreover, there are several mistakes you could make that could potentially harm your claim. In this article, we will look at the biggest mistakes you must avoid when filing an Alabama personal injury claim.
Table of Contents
Mistake #1: Not Seeking Medical Treatment
One of the biggest mistakes you can make after an injury is to not seek medical treatment. Even if you feel fine after the accident, you should still see a doctor as some injuries, like internal bleeding or a concussion, may not show immediate symptoms. Moreover, if you wait too long before seeing a doctor, the insurance company may argue that your injuries aren’t serious enough to warrant compensation, or that they weren’t caused by the accident.
Mistake #2: Not Gathering Evidence
When filing a personal injury claim, you’ll need evidence to support your case. This includes witness statements, photographs of the accident scene, and medical records. If you fail to gather evidence immediately after the accident, it may be lost forever. Make sure to take photographs of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, and your injuries, if possible. You should also get the contact information of any witnesses to the accident and keep all medical records related to your injuries.
Mistake #3: Not Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer
Many people make the mistake of trying to handle their personal injury claim on their own. However, this can be a costly mistake, especially if you’re not familiar with the legal system. An experienced personal injury lawyer knows how to negotiate with insurance companies and can help you get the best possible settlement for your case. Moreover, a lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal system and ensure that all deadlines and requirements are met.
Mistake #4: Talking to the Insurance Adjuster
After an accident, you’ll likely be contacted by an insurance adjuster who will want to take a recorded statement from you. However, it’s best to avoid talking to the insurance adjuster until you’ve spoken to a personal injury lawyer. Insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions in a way that can be used against you later on. By speaking with a lawyer first, you can be sure that you’re not saying something that could jeopardize your claim.
Mistake #5: Settling Too Quickly
Insurance companies may offer you a settlement soon after the accident, but it’s important to be cautious before accepting any settlement offers. Oftentimes, insurance companies will offer a lower settlement than what you’re actually entitled to in order to save money. Moreover, some injuries may not show up until days or even weeks after the accident, so accepting a settlement too quickly could mean that you’re not compensated for your full damages.
Mistake #6: Not Following Your Doctor’s Orders
If you’ve filed a personal injury claim, your medical records will be examined closely by the insurance company and the courts. If you fail to follow your doctor’s orders, such as attending follow-up appointments or taking your medication, it may be used against you in court. Remember that the insurance company will do everything in their power to undermine your claim, so it’s important to follow your doctor’s orders to the letter.
Conclusion
Filing a personal injury claim in Alabama can be a complicated process, but avoiding these common mistakes can help ensure that you get the compensation you deserve. Seek medical treatment immediately after the accident, gather evidence, hire a personal injury lawyer, avoid talking to the insurance adjuster, don’t settle too quickly, and follow your doctor’s orders. By doing so, you’ll give yourself the best possible chance of success.