4 Mistakes That Can Harm Your Car Accident Lawsuit
The time after a car accident is difficult, especially if you've been injured or suffered a large material loss. Yet that time is also very important regarding any lawsuits related to your car accident. Even small mistakes can cost you a lot in compensation. You might find it hard to avoid such pitfalls if you don't know what they are. Below are mistakes to avoid in the aftermath of your car accident.
1. Failing to Report all Injuries
Your body pumps you full of adrenaline and endorphins to help you get through the negative excitement of a car accident. Unfortunately, those chemicals can dampen your ability to feel pain. If you're in a car accident and you think you've suffered even a minor injury, seek medical attention. That bruise or neck ache might mask a more significant injury.
While you recover from the car accident, make note of any new or worsening discomfort. Even low-speed car accidents typically result in some form of soft tissue injuries, which are related to muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The injuries result in pain and swelling, but they often don't manifest until days or even weeks later.
So, when you see your doctors, make sure you tell them about new discomfort so they can check you for further injuries. Soft tissue injuries are notoriously hard to heal, so you may be eligible for more compensation.
2. Rushing Back to Work
You most likely rely on your job just like anyone else. However, your lawsuit is there to ensure you get compensation for lost wages. You're not out to get something for nothing. But you do have the right to heal adequately. The insurance company might point to your speedy return as evidence you weren't badly injured.
If you rush back to work, you may not be able to follow all your doctor's advice for rehabilitation. You might also aggravate your injuries. You can seek additional medical attention, but it might not be covered under your claim because of the return to work. You'll be stuck with the bills on your own.
3. Posting on Social Media
Your car accident lawsuit will depend largely on your credibility. You'll have documentation from your doctors. However, your catalog of pain and restriction is a focal point of such lawsuits.
Social media is infamous for being a place to overshare. You naturally want to keep your friends and family apprised of your progress. You probably also don't want to worry them. However, if you share on social media that you're doing fine, it can be used against your claim of pain and suffering.
The same situation is true if you share active pictures of yourself after a claim of restricted mobility. Stay away, too, from speculations of what you might be able to do with settlement money. Essentially, assume anything you share publicly can come up during your lawsuit.
4. Contacting an Attorney Too Late
You’re never too late to contact an attorney. However, you should contact an attorney as early in the process as possible.
Claims adjusters for insurance companies are negotiators. Their job is to look out for the best interests of their employer. When you hire auto accident attorneys to help with your claim and lawsuit, they're there to look out for your best interests. What's more, they have just as much experience in that field as the claims adjusters.
Indeed, filing claims and pursuing lawsuits are involved processes. As part of their business model, insurance companies typically offer settlements or lump sums in return for a release of claims against them. Your attorneys can help you value your claim and advise you on the fairness of the offer. You need a lot of documentation to prove your valuation, which attorneys can help with.
If you've been injured and suffered losses in a car accident, seek out help to make your claim and lawsuit. The lawyers at Walsh & Associates, PC, can offer you expert advice and help.