When you’ve been injured due to an accident in Pennsylvania, it can feel overwhelming trying to figure out the next stepsou can have a hard time juggling myriad issues related to injury: pain, stress, medical costs, and even legal and financing issues. The decisions you make during this period matter greatly. If not taken adequately, you may miss out on the opportunity to recover any form of compensation. Below are some points which will guide you concerning some mistakes which are commonly performed after an injury.
1. Failing to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
It is not uncommon for many people injured to wait a couple of hours before they seek medical attention. This is perhaps one of the most common mistakes made. Some injuries such as concussions, internal tears or even whiplash do not show symptoms immediately. By delaying treatment, you can aggravate your condition further, making the legal case much more difficult. Courts often seek evidence that you sought medical care after the injury, as this supports the very should claim you are trying to prove. And more importantly, it is a clear indicator that you are pursuing recovery seriously.
When dealing with injuries in Pennsylvania, it is vital to see a doctor or an ER physician right away. Not only does this safeguard your wellbeing but it also gives some evidence of your medical condition if you need to file an injury claim.
2. Not Documenting the Incident
Injuries such as car accidents, slip and falls and other such incidents are quite common. Be sure to document the scene and your condition at the moment of the incident. Make sure that the story has been sufficiently documented, as not doing so can hinder your efforts down the line. Take photos of the location of the incident, your injuries, and any damaged belongings. Obtain the contact information as well as the statements of any witnesses present. If you intend to pursue a case, the more comprehensive your documentation is, the better.
Unforeseen circumstances arise from the simplest of events such as an accident. Insurance companies are notorious for delaying or completely denying claims no matter the circumstances. To defend your interests, you will need to gather strong and irrefutable evidence.
3. Speaking to Insurance Companies Without Legal Representation
Even though insurance firms may present themselves as cooperative, they are in the business to settle the claim for the least possible value. An insurance adjuster may ask questions that may appear harmless in conversation, but could be used against you later. To achieve this, insurance adjusters may encourage you to minimize your injuries, or they may take a testimony that can easily be manipulated to justify a lesser payout.
Before you approach the insurance company, make it a point to consult with a pennsylvania personal injury attorney. This way, you will be properly advised so that you do not say anything that can undermine your case, and that you will get a fair process during the negotiation stage.
4. Settling Too Quickly
It is very typical for insurance providers to propose a settlement very swiftly following an injury. Trusting this offer may be inviting, but accepting it without understanding the implications may be unwise. Often, the first settlement offer is the lowest and does not reflect what you are actually entitled to receive. Insurance businesses make these offers with the hope that you are not aware of the full extent of the injury and the recovery time associated with it.
A personal injury attorney can assist in evaluating a settlement offer and make the decision of whether it is enough or worth negotiating. You might not have the proper amounts for medical bills or lost wages until much later, and if you agree to a fast settlement offer, you might end up being short on funds in the future.
5. Not Keeping Track of Medical Records and Expenses
Medical bills, receipts for prescriptions, and treatment records must be filed and kept in as safe place. If you wish to make a personal injury claim for a case in Pennsylvania, these documents prove the expenses incurred as a result of the injury. Inaccurate record keeping can make it difficult to ascertain the damages one has suffered because of the injury.
Also keep track of other costs incurred, such as going to the doctor, changing your child’s schedules to take care of your injury, or changes in house structure because of the injury you incurred. Such records will assist your lawyer in assembling the claim for every expense incurred.
6. Making Public Statements or Posting on Social Media
At present, social media postings can do you more harm than good. Resist the temptation to talk about an injury or accident on social media if you are engaged in a personal injury lawsuit. Such defenses can be raised even from innocent posts and comments. For example, say one gets posted doing something that is against the claimed injuries. That alone is enough to damage the integrity.
Do not engage in any social media commentary relevant to your case. Everything said online has the potential to be used negatively during your claim.
7. Failing to Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer
Consulting a reputable pennsylvania injury lawyer is of utmost importance and preventing that is a serious mistake. Personal injury litigations can be difficult to deal with, which is why it’s so important to have a proficient lawyer who advocates for your rights and ensures you receive appropriate damages. An attorney can promptly assist you with legal advice, handle discussions with the insurance company, and prepare and submit documents appropriately.
For residents of Pennsylvania, do not attempt to handle the legal intricacies singlehandedly – especially after sustaining an injury. Injury laws are complicated and constantly changing. Let a qualified injury attorney from Pennsylvania look after your legal pursuits and protect your interests while you focus on healing.
Conclusion
Sustaining an injury not only has physical repercussions, but mental and emotional challenges too. In addition to these impacts, one can find the compensation necessary by evading the errors described above. Taking various actions such as contacting a personal injury attorney before talking to an insurance firm, capturing evidence of the incident, and getting medical treatment as quickly as possible can all affect the outcome of your case. By staying educated and taking the correct steps, you put yourself in a better position to take further action.
