If you’re in the middle of a personal injury claim, there are mistakes that you could make that affect the outcome of the litigation. It’s important to consult with your lawyer to ensure that as you carry on your daily life, you’re not compromising your case.
Thankfully, it’s easy to avoid these mistakes and keep your case on track once you’re made aware of them. The experienced team at Beckett understands the common missteps that occur in the midst of a personal injury case, and will be by your side to support you in the proper course of action.
Documentation
The first common mistake in a personal injury case is not properly documenting your case. Photos or videos that capture the scene at which an injury took place, if it is safe and possible, should be taken as soon as possible. For example, if you’re involved in a motor vehicle accident and are able to do so, take photos of the scene from many different angles to ensure that you have proper documentation, should you need to file a claim. Details such as the sequence of events that led up to the accident, weather conditions, or personal symptoms and injuries are also important to note. Jotting down some notes of what occurred as soon as you can after an injury will help refresh your memory later on. While a law enforcement officer will generally record a personal statement that could be used in your claim, these are not always comprehensive and they are often taken when emotions are running high, making it difficult to stay focused and to include all details.
Saving all receipts for out of pocket expenses relating to the incident and your injuries, as well as logging missed time from work or school, are also very important.
It’s crucial to be honest and truthful in all your documentation efforts. If information is contradictory or distorted, it can negatively affect your case. Being adamant about properly documenting all aspects of your case is a crucial step in preparing yourself for the best possible case outcome.
Medical Care
It’s absolutely crucial to seek proper medical care as soon as possible after being injured in an accident. It’s important to be open and honest with your doctor about all of your injuries and symptoms in order to receive the proper treatment and rehabilitation. Once medical care is received, always continue to follow the advice of your doctor. Whether the cause of your injury, including a car accident or fall, getting the proper medical attention is key to help prevent further injury and get you on the road to recovery.
Importantly, medical professionals also create medical records that can help support your case. This information will be essential if your insurance company needs further proof and documentation that you’ve been injured. Unfortunately, a lack of supporting evidence in a claim can put a case and your entitled compensation at risk.
Social Media
It’s always a good idea to be cautious and think twice before posting on social media. This is even more important when you’re involved in a personal injury case. Social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter or Instagram all leave an online footprint that can easily derail a case. For example, if you’re claiming that the injuries you’ve sustained have had a negative impact on your enjoyment of life, but then post a photo to social media that doesn’t align with that narrative, your case could come into question.
It’s better to be on the safe side when it comes to what you’re posting on social media. Regardless of the privacy settings that you have on your account, it’s best practice to keep any sensitive or case-related information to yourself and refrain from posting about it on social media.
Waiting to Seek Proper Legal Advice
Although every personal injury case is unique, a common theme amongst them all is the assistance that a personal injury lawyer can provide. The process of dealing with insurance claims and other documentation associated with a serious injury can be overwhelming. The support and guidance of a personal injury lawyer can help ease that burden. Additionally, the proper legal representation can ensure that your rights are fought for and that you’re receiving the best compensation possible.
The experienced, dedicated team at Beckett is passionate about getting you the justice you deserve. Our lawyers will work closely with you to understand your case and ensure that you’re being represented fairly and defend your rights. Contact our team to get started today and to request your free case evaluation.
Published on June 18, 2021
