The moment someone is hurt in an accident is often filled with confusion and stress. Most think they can navigate it independently, but some pitfalls can hinder monetary help. Here are seven big mistakes that clients frequently make that can jeopardize their personal injury cases. If this describes your situation, talk to a professional like Brampton personal injury lawyer who can help you overcome these pitfalls.

1. Waiting to Seek Medical Care

You need to visit a doctor immediately after an accident. Some injuries (such as concussions and internal injuries) may not have immediate symptoms. If you wait too long to seek medical attention, your medical injuries may appear as if they are not serious. Insurance companies could use this information against you, saying you aren’t hurt or injured due to the accident.

Seeking medical assistance immediately also establishes a record of your injuries, especially if it is the loss of a limb or if you lost teeth that caused you trauma. This document is critical in your case because it purports to detail when you were injured and what treatment you required. A doctor can also guide you to heal properly.

2. Trying to Handle Everything Alone

People think they can handle their personal injury cases without a lawyer. But this can be a huge mistake. There may be a lot of rules and regulations to be followed, but the personal injury law can be complicated. Personal injury laws differ for each territory and state, and a lawyer specializing in personal injury knows these laws and how to navigate the legal system.

A lawyer can help you collect evidence, interview witnesses, and negotiate with insurance companies. They understand how to negotiate and fight for the compensation you are entitled to receive. Trying to do it all yourself can result in mistakes that will cost you time, and sometimes money, or even your case. 

3. Missing Important Deadlines

Each personal injury case involves deadlines that you are required to meet. Those deadlines are known as statutes of limitations. You may lose your right to collect compensation if you do not submit your claim by this deadline.

In Ontario, for instance, the general limitation period for instituting a claim is two years from the accident date. But there are exceptions based on the unique facts of your case. For your convenience, a personal injury lawyer can assist you in ensuring that all deadlines are met and that no opportunity for justice is missed.

4. Not Keeping Good Records

Maintaining thorough documentation following an accident is crucial for your personal injury case. You will want to record all the medical bills, treatment programs, and expenses associated with your injuries. This would include receipts for services like physical therapy or medication.

Beyond the financial records, it’s also useful to note how your injuries have affected your daily life. For instance, if the injuries prevent you from playing sports or going to work, write that down. This information will be useful in demonstrating how the incident affected your life and will help substantiate your compensation claim.

5. Accepting the Initial Offer from Insurance Companies

Insurance companies often seek to settle claims quickly by offering a low initial offer soon after an accident. This offer is usually a low one as all they are concerned about is saving money. Individuals can quickly agree to these offers without knowing the full scope of their rights or how badly they have been injured.

You must consult a personal injury lawyer before settling for any insurance company quote. They can help determine whether the offer is fair regarding your medical bills and lost income, especially for hands-on jobs like construction and pain and suffering. Sometimes, you need to negotiate and wait for a settlement that compensates for what you deserve.

6. Sharing Too Much on Social Media

Many individuals share their lives online via social networking sites such as Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. However, it is better to be careful with what you share if you are a significant other in a personal injury case.

Insurance companies frequently monitor social media accounts for anything they can use against claimants. Even innocent posts about fun or activities could be misrepresented as evidence that you are not as injured as you say you are. It would be wise to be cautious about what you post online until your case ends.

7. Ignoring Doctor’s Advice

After an accident, you must follow your doctor’s orders for your health and your personal injury case. If your doctor prescribes some treatments or therapies, be sure to adhere to those. If you fail to do this, it may look like the injuries are not as serious to your insurance. This can damage your case for compensation of medical bills and additional expenses from your injuries.

Conclusion

When clients work with an experienced Brampton personal injury lawyer and avoid these common mistakes, they can help strengthen their case and secure the compensation they owe for their injuries. Remember that the steps you take after the accident will protect you and give you a brighter future.