If you are an injury victim who is planning to file a claim against a third party, you need to be extremely careful about what you do, whom you talk to, and what you say. Any mistake on your part can make it harder for your Texas injury lawyer to recover the monetary damages you are entitled to under the law.
Here are five common mistakes that can affect your personal injury claim.
1. Not Following the Doctor’s Instructions
After an accident, you are expected to take reasonable steps to recuperate from your injuries as fast as you can. It includes getting medical help in a timely manner and following the doctor’s instructions.
Any lapse on your part in following the doctor’s instructions can make it easier for the insurance company to argue that your injuries are not as serious as you claim. As a result, your Texas injury lawyer might not be able to recover the compensation you deserve.
2. Not Hiring an Attorney Immediately After the Accident
It is extremely important to hire an attorney as soon as you possibly can after an accident. Any delay on your part can make it difficult for the attorney to collect the evidence they need to prove the at-fault party’s culpability. So, do not waste any time in contacting a Texas injury lawyer after an accident.
3. Posting on Social Media
An important thing you need to remember as an injury victim is that from the moment you file a claim against the at-fault party, your actions – including what you post on social media – will be monitored by the insurance company.
For instance, if you invite a few friends over to your place, have a dance party, and post about it on social media, the insurance company might take it as a sign that you are really not as injured as you claim to be. It can put your Texas injury lawyer on the back foot during the negotiation process.
4. Talking about Your Personal Injury Claim
The only person with whom you can talk about your case is your lawyer. If the at-fault party, any of their associates, or the insurance adjuster tries to contact you, do not talk about your case. Ask them to contact your Texas injury lawyer. Remember – anything you say will be used by the insurance adjuster to undermine your claim.
5. Settling with the Insurance Company
Do not talk to the insurance company or sign anything without consulting your lawyer first. Many times, the insurance company might sweet-talk you into settling the case early – especially if they believe that you might be able to recover substantial damages if you take the case to trial. So, do not be in a rush to settle the case. Let your lawyer decide when you should settle and how much you should settle for.
Dana G. Kirk – A Texas Injury Lawyer You Can Trust
Attorney Dana G. Kirk has been fighting for injury victims in Texas for over 40 years. Choose Dana G. Kirk – one of the top 100 personal injury lawyers in the country and the recipient of Martindale-Hubbell’s AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating – to have the best chance of securing the compensation you deserve.
Contact us online for a free consultation with one of our Texas injury lawyers.
