What you Should and Should Not Do After an Injury
What to Do After an Injury
After a personal injury, your actions could have a huge impact on whether you obtain proper compensation for harm or loss. your personal injury lawyer can offer information and advice that’s specific to your case, here are some general dos and don’ts to keep in mind.
Do: Gather Evidence of the Injury and Location
The odds of a successful personal injury claim hinge on evidence. The amount of financial compensation you can be awarded is based on how well you can prove your injuries and the extent to which they have affected your life.
The evidence you collect at the scene of the accident can help speed up your legal proceedings. It could be physical evidence or documentary evidence like photographs and video recordings of the accident scene, police reports, or recorded phone calls placed with law enforcement or emergency services. Such evidence must be collected before it’s contaminated or tampered with.
Other important pieces of evidence include:
- Medical records
- Psychological evaluations
- Physical therapy reports
- Leave of absence requests
Do: Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Receiving prompt medical care is critical even if you think the incident was minor. Some injuries can go undetected in the immediate aftermath, or you may not be aware of the extent of the injuries if your body is in a state of shock.
Immediate medical evaluation can kick start your recovery and protect your rights. Delays in medical treatments allow the defense to argue that the injury was insignificant.
Be thorough and accurate when discussing your injuries with healthcare providers. Also, follow your doctor’s instructions and keep complete records of medical expenses.
Do: Retain a Personal Injury Attorney
It’s best to talk to a personal injury lawyer as soon as reasonably possible. An attorney can help gather critical evidence to prove the extent of your injuries and increase your chances of obtaining full compensation for your damages.
An attorney will guide you through your legal options, communicate with the defendants on your behalf, and assert your rights. A reliable injury attorney understands how to value a claim and negotiate a favorable settlement or litigate the case in court. By working with an attorney, you’re more likely to receive the settlement you truly deserve.
What Not to Do After an Injury
Do Not Provide Statements to Insurance Representatives
As for-profit businesses, insurance companies are incentivized to deny claims or settle them for as little as possible. To achieve this, the company may use a “friendly insurance adjuster” who will try to get you to make a recorded statement about the matter. They may seem to sincerely care about how you are doing but the objective is to get you to say something that will compromise your case. You should politely decline any request to make a statement.
Do Not Admit Fault
Even if you believe you were partly to blame for the accident, be careful not to say something that could be interpreted as admitting fault to the responding officer, the other party, or the insurance company. Once you’ve made a statement, you’ll have a difficult time changing it later and it can make it harder for your personal injury lawyer to negotiate your case. Likewise, do not blame anyone involved.
Do Not Overstate Your Injuries
It may seem that lying or exaggerating your injuries can help you receive hefty compensation. On the contrary, this is a poor decision that will come back to ruin your claim. A personal injury claim is not an opportunity for financial gain. It is a tool for fair compensation for harms and losses actually incurred.
Do Not Accept a Settlement Offer Without Your Attorney’s Approval
The insurance company will offer you a quick settlement shortly after the accident. Accepting an offer before you have reached maximum medical improvement can deprive you of the money you’ll need for your full recovery. Avoid waiving your rights by consulting with your personal injury lawyer before accepting any offer or signing any document sent by the insurance company.
Yanchuck Berman Will Advocate for You
If you’ve suffered a personal injury as a result of someone else’s negligence, carelessness, or recklessness, the experienced personal injury attorneys at Yanchuck Berman are here to fight for your rights.
Our style of representation combines a deep understanding of the law with personalized attention to help people who have been wronged. With extensive experience in and out of court, we can help you safely navigate the system and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact us at 727 822-6313 to schedule your free legal consultation with one of our St. Petersburg accident lawyers.