In the aftermath of a personal injury, you may feel confused, disoriented, and unsure of what to do next. Certain mistakes made in handling your personal injury claim can hinder your ability to recover the full and fair compensation you need to move forward.
Experienced personal injury attorney Marya Fuller is a specialist in accident and injury law. She understands what a difficult time this may be for you and your family. She knows how to pursue the compensation you deserve and the mistakes to avoid when seeking justice. Her years of proven experience can help you achieve a favorable outcome in your case.
Five Mistakes That Can Negatively Affect Your Personal Injury Case
After suffering an injury caused by someone else’s negligence, you deserve justice. You can help strengthen your claim and improve your chances of recovery by avoiding these five common mistakes.
1. Delaying Necessary Medical Treatment
If you were hurt in an accident, seeking appropriate medical treatment should be your first priority. The most important reason to seek medical attention promptly after a personal injury is to ensure your health and safety. You may feel okay after an accident only to later notice signs of a serious injury. Brain injuries, whiplash, and internal bleeding can all negatively impact your health if they go untreated.
Additionally, postponing medical treatment could affect your case. It is important to establish a record of your injuries. An insurance company may challenge your claim if there is no medical evidence of injury or no effort on your part to seek care and treatment from a doctor. The longer you wait, the more difficult it becomes to connect your injuries to the accident.
2. Not Filing a Claim Within the Required Time Frame
After an accident, it is crucial to begin the legal process as soon as possible. For some personal injury claims, the statute of limitations in Washington is three years from the date you suffered the injury. If you wait to file your lawsuit beyond the statute of limitations, your case will almost certainly be dismissed.
3. Giving a Recorded Statement to the Insurance Company
You may receive a call from an insurance adjuster after the accident asking you to provide a recorded statement. You are not obligated to make a statement. Any recorded testimony you provide to the adjuster may be used to deny or devalue your claim.
Even when you provide a completely truthful account of the accident as you remember it, an adjuster may attempt to use your words against you. To protect yourself against this insurance company tactic, it is generally in your best interest to work with an experienced attorney to communicate and negotiate with adjusters on your behalf.
4. Handling Your Case Alone
Not every situation requires the skill and knowledge of an experienced attorney. However, if the accident caused serious harm to you or a loved one, a reputable lawyer will be an invaluable ally in your personal injury case. An attorney can:
- Explain your rights and legal options to help you determine the best course of action in your case.
- Calculate your damages to ensure the compensation you pursue is enough to cover the full extent of your physical, emotional, and financial losses.
- Investigate your case by obtaining police and medical records, witness statements, and other evidence that supports your claim.
- Deal with the insurance company on your behalf for all communications and negotiations.
- Handle every aspect of your case to ensure all paperwork is filed correctly and on time.
- Go to trial, if necessary. If a fair settlement cannot be reached in your case, a lawyer may recommend taking your claim before a judge or jury.
5. Posting About Your Case on Social Media
Posting about your case on social media can sabotage your personal injury claim. It is not uncommon for opposing attorneys to monitor the injured party’s social media accounts. This is done in an attempt to find anything that may have been posted after the accident. Even posts that seem harmless could be spun against you to make it appear as though your injuries are exaggerated or that you are not even hurt at all.
Avoid posting anything that could be related to your accident on social media. You may even consider refraining from posting anything at all until your personal injury case is resolved. You do not want to jeopardize the justice and compensation to which you are lawfully entitled by giving the other side any ammunition that may negatively impact your claim.
Call Our Personal Injury Lawyer in Olympia
Since 1972, Fuller & Fuller, Attorneys at Law, has served clients throughout Washington. As a specialist in accident and injury law, personal injury attorney Marya Fuller is passionate about helping injured accident victims move forward with their lives. She has the experience and resources necessary to help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.
See what our clients say about us.
Call (800) 570-4878 or contact us online for a free initial consultation. We serve clients in Olympia, Tacoma, and other areas in Washington.
