Five Common Mistakes To Avoid in a Personal Injury Claim

Many people file personal injury claims after car crashes, dog bite incidents, workplace accidents, and other harmful situations. If you’ve been hurt in an accident, you might also want to take legal action. Just be mindful of these common mistakes to avoid in a personal injury claim before contacting a Wichita personal injury lawyer. 

1. Not Seeing a Doctor 

Suppose you slip and fall on ice in a poorly maintained store parking lot. A slip and fall may cause serious injuries like broken bones and concussions, so it’s wise to seek treatment as soon as possible. Proving your injuries in a lawsuit could be challenging if you never see a doctor after the accident. 

Submitting medical documentation with your claim validates the severity of your injury. You may have a stronger case when you can clearly document your injuries through medical records. 

2. Ignoring Your Doctor’s Orders

It’s not enough to just seek medical treatment. You’ll need to follow your doctor’s treatment plan. Failing to do so may impact not only your physical health but also your injury claim and potential damages. 

For example, say you missed planned follow-up appointments. When seeking compensation for your medical expenses, you’ll have fewer medical bills to include in your claim. 

3. Accepting Your First Offer

Sometimes, people become so focused on damages and compensation that they accept the first settlement offer they receive. Why is this one of the biggest mistakes to avoid in a personal injury claim?

Insurers typically make low-ball settlement offers that may not fully represent the extent of your losses. While engaging in insurance negotiations could cause them to make a higher offer, every case is different. Negotiating may prolong the settlement process, though it gives you an opportunity to pursue a higher payout. 

4. Leaving the Scene Without Gathering Evidence 

Evidence collection and preservation are essential for anyone who wants to file a personal injury claim. If you’re physically able, try to gather as much evidence from the scene as possible. This may include:

• The contact information of the involved parties or witnesses
• Photos or videos of the scene
• Insurance details of motorists involved in an accident
• Photos of your bodily injuries or property damage

Having ample evidence to support your claim may impact your outcome. 

5. Waiting Too Long To File

Are you weighing the idea of opening a personal injury claim in Kansas? Consider meeting with an attorney to discuss your options soon after an accident. If you wait too long to file, you might not have a valid case, preventing you from pursuing financial compensation. 

A lawyer can let you know about any filing deadlines and how to proceed with the claim. 

Consult an Experienced Injury Attorney for Advice

Even if you know which mistakes to avoid in a personal injury claim, it’s wise to seek legal representation. Contact Larry Wall Trial Law to review important factors like the typical personal injury case’s timeline, possible damages, and more. To schedule a consultation, contact our firm at (316) 265-6000.