If you have been in an accident and are pursuing a personal injury claim, it’s critical to know what not to do so you can set yourself up to win. After handling hundreds of personal injury claims, we know that mistakes can cause you to lose your personal injury lawsuit. Here are 10 to avoid.
Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Personal Injury Case
- Not Seeking Help from an Attorney
It’s essential to speak to an attorney soon after your injury. Personal injury law is incredibly complex. You need someone who understands the Florida laws that apply when filing a personal injury claim. - Failure to Get Medical Attention
Be sure to seek medical attention immediately after your accident, as some injuries may not become evident for days. If you wait too long after an accident, insurance companies may argue that something else caused your injuries or they are not severe and therefore do not merit compensation. - Talking to the Insurance Company
If you speak to the insurance company without a lawyer’s advice, the insurance company could take whatever you say could out of context and use it against you. That will not help you win your personal injury case. - Not Following Doctor’s Orders
By not following your doctor’s orders, you demonstrate that you are not committed to your recovery. The insurance company can use this to argue for a smaller payout. - Talking About Your Case on Social Media
Using social media, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, to discuss your case can hurt your case. Anything you post online can be admissible in court. The defense could twist photos and statements and use them against you. Sharing details of your case may cause you to lose your personal injury lawsuit. - Not Telling Your Attorney About Previous Injuries or Pre-Existing Conditions
If you want to win your personal injury lawsuit, you need to be honest with your attorney, especially when it comes to your medical history. If you have an injury or pre-existing condition that he or she is unaware of, your attorney will not have all the necessary information to present the most compelling case. - Minimizing Your Injuries With Your Doctor
That could prevent you from getting the medical documentation needed to prove the true extent of your injuries. That can hurt your case as insurance companies can argue that the injuries were minimal and therefore not deserving of compensation. - Providing a Recorded Statement or Authorization to the Insurance Company
If you do this, you could cause problems during settlement negotiations or at trial. If an insurance company asks for these, politely decline their request and let your attorney know. - Admitting Fault
You should not admit fault for the accident. In Florida, you may still be able to collect for damages even if you were partially responsible. - Comparative Negligence
Because comparative negligence could reduce your compensation, you need to work with a lawyer who can demonstrate that you played no role – or only a minimal role – in causing the accident.
If you have been hurt in an accident and want to pursue a personal injury claim, you need an experienced attorney who can fight for you at the negotiating table and in court. Contact Brooks Law Group today to see how we can put our extensive experience to work for you. The consultation is free, confidential, and without further obligations.
