A single event can turn a person’s life upside-down.
You were injured, you have medical bills, and you’re not sure how you will move forward. In your time of stress and turmoil, a personal injury claim may be the last thing you want to think about. Keep in mind that making a mistake could mean missing out on your right to recover your losses. That’s why working with an experienced personal injury lawyer in McDonough, GA, is paramount to help you through the process.
Waiting Too Long to Take Action with a McDonough Personal Injury Lawyer
Every personal injury claim has a time limit to file. Georgia’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases requires that an action for injuries to the person be brought within two years after the right of action accrues.
The more time that passes after injury, the more difficult it becomes to collect evidence, locate witnesses, and build a strong case. A lawyer ensures you do not miss deadlines and gives you the best chance at recovery.
Not Seeking Medical Attention Immediately
Adrenaline often masks pain after an injury. You may feel that you don’t need treatment, only to find symptoms emerging days or weeks later. But if you do not seek medical care immediately, you damage your claim. You can bet that the at-fault party’s insurance company will argue that you were never hurt or that your injury was not accident-related. Protect your health and your rights, and go for a check-up. Not only will you ensure your well-being, but also help your case. Medical reports and diagnoses are important evidence for your claim.
Admitting Fault Too Soon
Many people are polite by nature and often apologize as a reflex response. This is not a good habit to have after an accident because — unfortunately, your politeness can be later used against you. The opposing insurance adjuster or attorney will be looking for anything that implies you were at fault. What better evidence than the “I’m sorry” you said moments after the accident?
Settling Too Early and for Too Little Without an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer
Insurance companies have two primary goals: resolving claims as quickly as possible and as cheaply as possible. If you receive a settlement offer relatively soon after the accident, it probably won’t come close to addressing all of your losses. For example, the adjuster may offer a sum of money to cover your medical expenses, but have you considered those that won’t be incurred for weeks or months later? The same is true for lost wages; the settlement amount may only include wages lost during your initial recovery and not those you will continue to lose if you remain out of work.
Posting on Social Media About Your Case
Posting your accident online may not seem like a big deal, but it can come back to haunt you. Insurance companies, law firms, and lawyers often investigate all aspects of your personal life during a case, and this includes social media. A photo that seems harmless of you out with friends can be misconstrued to mean you aren’t as badly injured as you claim. Play it safe, and don’t post — or at least use social media sparingly until your case is complete.
Not Keeping Proper Documentation
The only way to win your personal injury case is to have the supporting evidence on hand. If you aren’t keeping medical records, receipts, payment records, information on lost wages, and copies of your correspondence with the insurance company, you are doing your case a huge disservice. Keep everything pertaining to your injury and its impact on your life. Perhaps the most convincing evidence of your situation is a photo of your injuries, the accident scene, and written or recorded testimony by a witness or yourself to prove liability.
Handling the Case Alone Without Consulting a Personal Injury Lawyer
There are so many different aspects and legal loopholes to a personal injury case. Everything from preparing to negotiating and filing a personal injury claim requires legal know-how and experience. Those who file alone often find themselves facing a lawyer hired by an insurance company and end up settling for much less than they need and deserve. A skilled personal injury lawyer can help you get the most compensation due to experience and dedication to your case.
Don’t think of your personal injury as just another file. The right steps can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. If you act fast, get medical help, keep records, and partner with an experienced personal injury lawyer, you can financially recover and get your life back on track.
