4 Mistakes People Make While Trying to Handle Their Own Injury Claim
You may think an injury claim process will be straightforward. After all, you know that you need to document what happened, submit your medical bills, talk to the insurance company, and accept a settlement. But while the general outline is clear, the process is often more complicated than it initially appears.
Before accepting a settlement that could be far too low, consider connecting with a Nashville personal injury lawyer. A short conversation with an attorney may help you avoid common mistakes while pursuing compensation.
Mistake #1: Giving a Recorded Statement Without Understanding the Consequences
Insurance companies may ask for a recorded statement about the accident. This can seem like a routine request, but anything you say could later be reviewed when the insurer evaluates your claim.
You may unintentionally minimize your injuries, forget an important detail, or speculate about what happened. Even an innocent statement about feeling fine immediately after an accident could potentially be taken out of context if symptoms become more serious later.
Mistake #2: Posting About Your Accident on Social Media
Social media pictures, comments, check-ins, and videos may be interpreted as evidence about your physical condition. A photograph of an accident victim celebrating at a family gathering, for example, might not show the pain being experienced while the picture was taken.
A good general rule is to avoid discussing your accident, injuries, or claim on social media. Also, be cautious about accepting new friend or follower requests from people you do not know.
Mistake #3: Accepting an Early Settlement Offer
An insurance company may make a settlement offer quickly. Receiving money can be appealing, especially when medical bills and other expenses are piling up. But accepting an offer may resolve the claim before you understand the full extent of your injuries.
Some conditions take weeks or months to become fully apparent. You may eventually need additional treatment, physical therapy, injections, or surgery. Your ability to work may also be affected longer than expected. Before accepting a settlement, consider whether you have a clear understanding of your current and potential future losses.
Mistake #4: Failing to Keep Important Documentation
Documentation establishes what happened and how an injury has affected your life. Commonly important records include:
- Medical records, bills, and treatment instructions
- Prescription and rehabilitation information
- Employer records concerning missed work
- Accident photographs and other evidence
- Insurance correspondence and settlement offers
- Notes about symptoms and how they affect daily activities
Keeping organized records makes it easier to understand the progression of an injury and the financial impact of an accident.
Strong documentation is essential, and even with evidence in place there can be complications. Should an insurance company dispute responsibility or question the severity of your injuries, the situation can become thorny. Once you connect with a Nashville personal injury lawyer, they can review the circumstances, explain your options, communicate with insurers, and help evaluate whether a proposed settlement adequately reflects your losses.
Were you offered a settlement? Before agreeing, have your case reviewed by the experienced attorneys at Calhoun Law, PLC. To protect your rights, schedule a confidential consultation today.