After an accident, most victims expect to receive fair compensation for their injuries, medical expenses, and lost wages. So, what you do in the first few days after the accident, and throughout the claims process, can influence the outcome of your case.
And even little mistakes can give insurance companies the ammunition they need to slash your payment or deny your claim altogether. Knowing what to avoid can help you protect your rights and maximize the compensation you deserve.
Some of the most common mistakes that can lower your final personal injury settlement are highlighted below:
Delays in Treatment
One of the most important things you can do after an accident is receive treatment immediately. Not only will delays in treatment endanger your health, but they will also discredit your case. Insurance companies will attempt to say your injuries were not so bad or were not accident-related. Early medical records create a decisive link between the accident and injuries, giving you a stronger case for complete compensation in a personal injury settlement.
Taking Blame
Even a “sorry” at the accident scene amounts to fault admission. Insurance adjusters will look for remarks that cast blame on you, reducing their settlement liability.
That said, do not discuss fault with the other party’s driver, witnesses, or insurance company representatives before consulting an attorney. Stick to the facts and let the evidence speak regarding liability.
Social Media Posts
Most of the victims are not aware that their social media profiles are monitored by insurance companies. The messages, photos, or comments about the accident can be used against you.
For example, an innocent picture of you at a family event may be used to convince others that your injuries are not as bad as you have been stating they are. To avoid risking compromising your settlement, the best is to limit or stop the use of social media until your case is resolved.
Quick Low Settlement
Insurance companies are known for making quick payments shortly following an accident. While it is enticing to have money in your hands quickly, their payment is always less than what your case is truly worth.
If you settle, you cannot reopen the case and request additional funds for future medical bills, lost wages, or pain. You require patience and an accurate evaluation of all injuries prior to settlement.
Missing Evidence
Good evidence forms the foundation of an effective claim for accidents. In its absence, it is even harder to prove liability or the extent of your injuries. Common types of lost evidence include photographs of accident scenes, property damage, medical records, and witness contact information.
Having such evidence preserved and documented early on gives your attorney the tools with which to build a good case.
Missed Deadlines
Every state has imposed filing deadlines on accident claims, or statutes of limitation. Failure to meet those deadlines can negate entirely your right to file a damages lawsuit, regardless of the merit in your case. Insurance companies also have deadlines to file a claim. Remembering all deadlines that apply and getting paperwork in on a timely basis protects your right to recover damages.
Conclusion
The outcome of your settlement isn’t just determined by how badly you get hurt, but by what you do after. Mistakes such as failing to get treated immediately, claiming fault, and destroying evidence can actually cut the amount of money you receive. Insurance companies prefer to exploit those mistakes to pay out less, and that’s why awareness and preparation are helpful.
The following are the key points on mistakes that reduce your end settlement amount:
- Receiving immediate medical attention strengthens your case.
- Never apologize or post anything on social media about the accident.
- Never accept a low settlement offer hastily without full analysis.
- Preserve evidence intact and follow all the deadlines for filing to ensure your rights.
With careful attention and sound legal counsel, you may avoid these common errors and increase your chances of realizing the full compensation that you deserve.
