When
you are involved in an accident that was not your fault, you may be entitled to
compensation by filing a personal injury claim against the party who caused the
accident. However, many people do not know how to file an effective claim and
end up making mistakes that hurt their chances of receiving compensation. Here
are the most mistakes you should avoid when filing a personal injury claim, so
that you can better your chances of getting the money you deserve for medical
bills and property damage costs that were incurred during the accident.
Not Gathering Evidence
Unfortunately,
many people who file personal injury claims do not take the time to document
their injuries, lost wages, and medical expenses, which leaves them without an
adequate case. However, it's easy enough to protect yourself against this
mistake by taking some simple precautions. Gather as much as evident possible
to increase the value of your compensation.
Not Consulting With a Personal
Injury Attorney in Rio Rancho First
Common
mistake people make when filing a personal injury claim is thinking they don't
need an attorney. Unless you're experienced in this area, it's best to consult
with someone who knows the ins and outs of the legal system before proceeding
with your case on your own. Hiring car
accident lawyers in Rio Rancho typically costs
less than trying to represent yourself in court.
By
taking this step, you're much more likely to have a successful claim and will
have some guidance as to what type of compensation you may be entitled to.
Furthermore, by approaching an attorney from a reputed personal
injury law firm in Rio Rancho nm, you can find if
your case has merit or if it's best for you just move on. Don't make the
mistake of not consulting with an attorney first.
Not Knowing Your Rights under
the Law
One
of the worst mistakes you can make when filing a personal injury claim is not
knowing your rights under the law. Knowing your rights will help protect your
claim and any possible settlement negotiations.
Don't sign anything without understanding it first!
Not Staying in Touch with
Your Insurance Company
Stay
in touch with your insurance company to ensure they know about your claim's
current state. Remember, you'll need them later if you settle out of court or
go before a jury. One way to maintain contact is by contacting them monthly for
updates and you can also periodically check in with them for updates and
questions along the way.
Being Unreasonable About
What You Are Willing to Accept
It's
important to be reasonable about what you are willing to accept. Suppose an
insurance company, for example, offers you $10,000 dollars in compensation for
your injury, and you are only willing to accept $15,000 dollars or less because
the injury makes it difficult for you to do certain things. In that case, that
might be grounds for rejecting the offer. Be reasonable so both parties can
walk away from the negotiating table feeling like they won something!
Not Realizing How Much It
May Cost in Future Medical Expenses
Remember
that what you pay for your initial medical bills is not all you will have to
deal with. The costs can go up in the future, so filing for and documenting
your expenses is important. That way, if anything changes and you are no longer
eligible for reimbursement from your insurance company or other sources, you'll
still be able to recoup some of those costs.
Giving Up If You Don’t
Get What You Want the First Time Around
One
mistake many people make is giving up right away. Don’t let disappointment or
anger get the best of you. The longer you wait, the more attached you’ll become
and the more persuasive your arguments will be. Give yourself some time and
space to relax, read over your insurance policy, and then go back at it with
fresh eyes.
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