Things Not to Do During a Pending Personal Injury Claim
You got injured in an accident, and now you want to initiate a claim against the responsible party. The only problem is that you’ve never been involved in a claim, and you aren’t sure how to go about it. By learning about things not to do during a pending personal injury claim, you can increase your chances of getting the settlement you deserve.
When you get injured in an accident, we’re here for you. Riverside, California personal injury lawyers Heiting & Irwin have over four decades of experience assisting clients with personal injury. We have retrieved more than $500 million for our clients, and we’ll work hard to get you the recovery that’s rightfully yours.
What Qualifies As a Personal Injury Claim?
A personal injury claim may be made if one got into an accident and it wasn’t that person’s fault, or they were only partially at fault. Keep in mind that you should always consult a personal injury lawyer before deciding whether or not to take action because you may falsely believe that the accident was your fault. Or the other person who is actually responsible may be lying and trying to manipulate you. It’s worth it to double-check and to get with a professional.
If a personal injury lawyer tells you the accident was indeed your fault, you could get a second opinion from another lawyer just in case (consultations are typically free). But if they’re right, then you may wind up a defendant in the case. If you are insured, your insurance will be responsible for defending you and negotiating with the person making the claim.
Now that you know a little about personal injury claims, here’s what not to do during your claim.
Forgetting to Collect Evidence
Evidence can prove that you were not responsible for the accident and/or your injury. Photos and/or videos should be taken, if you can, of the site of injury, your visible injuries, and damage to your personal belongings. Witness statements from people who saw what happened and video footage are going to be helpful as well. If a car was involved, make sure the police file a report. Of course, go to the hospital right away to get checked out. Then, we can use your medical records as evidence as well.
Accepting Settlement from the Other Party
If you take some quick cash, you won’t be able to get a proper settlement later on. If you have sky-high medical bills, you won’t be able to do anything about it. Taking the risk to accept quick money is not worth it.
Accepting the First Offer from Insurance
The insurance provider is going to try and get you to accept their first offer – which is going to be low. It may seem like enough, but it’s not. The insurance company is not your friend. When they call, don’t give them any details, because they are recording everything you say. Instead, politely tell them you will have your lawyer follow up with them. Call our personal injury lawyers for help immediately.
Not Going to Your Doctors’ Appointments
If you don’t stay on top of your care, it’s going to look like your injuries aren’t that serious. You will not be able to get a suitable settlement if you skip appointments or don’t take your medicines or follow a treatment plan. Do what your doctor says and go to your appointments for as long as it takes for you to feel better.
Not Calling a Personal Injury Lawyer
A personal injury lawyer is going to have your best interests in mind and fight to get you the settlement that’s rightfully yours. Although you can negotiate on your own, not only is it stressful, but you also won’t know how to do it properly. Lawyers are professionals and they will know exactly what to do. Plus, you shouldn’t be going back and forth with an insurance company at this time – you should be healing from your injuries.
There is a misconception that personal injury lawyers are expensive. While other kinds of lawyers may require a retainer, personal injury lawyers do not. Usually, you can sit down with them for a free consultation, and they will only charge you a percentage of the money you get if they can get you a settlement or win at trial or arbitration.
When searching for a personal injury lawyer, look for years of experience and excellent case results. They should make you feel comfortable and show you they care. Heiting & Irwin is here for you when you need them.
Get in Touch With Heiting & Irwin for Help
If you were injured, then it’s time to hire a personal injury lawyer to help you file a claim. Heiting & Irwin are here for you. We have dealt with many, many, personal injury cases and will work hard to get you the settlement that you deserve. Contact us online or call us at 951-682-6400 to start your case now.
