Common Mistakes People Make in a Personal Injury Claim

Common mistakes people make in a personal injury claim. Personal injury claims can be complex and overwhelming. If you have been injured by another's negligence, you are owed compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and other damages. However, there are several common mistakes that people make when pursuing a personal injury claim that can have a significant impact on the outcome of their case. At Burger Law, we stop at nothing to get our clients the financial recovery they deserve. If you're having doubts about the injury claim process, we're more than happy to discuss your case with you at no cost or obligation to you. Based in St. Louis, our personal injury attorneys service the injured throughout Missouri and Illinois. Call us today at (314) 500-HURT or fill out our online form.

If you were injured through no fault of your own, see how much your claim may be worth by using our free personal injury calculator.

Common Mistakes In Personal Injury Claims

• Not going to the doctor right away — Sometimes people don't seek treatment, or when they go to the doctor, they're not open and honest about all the aches and pains they have. One of the biggest mistakes people make in a personal injury claim is failing to seek medical attention immediately after an accident. Even if you feel fine or your injuries seem minor, it's crucial to get checked out by a doctor. Some injuries, such as whiplash or head injuries, may not show symptoms immediately but can cause long-term damage. Additionally, delaying medical treatment can be used against you in court to argue that your injuries are not as severe as you claim.
• Settling before knowing the full medical treatment you need — Sometimes, an insurance company may offer to pay for your ER bill so they can settle the case quickly. They'll have you sign a release, and three months later you find out you need neck surgery. Never agree to a settlement before reaching Maximum Medical Improvement.
• Giving a recorded statement to the insurance company — Insurance adjusters will often ask for a recorded statement after an accident. However, it's important to remember that they are not on your side. Anything you say can be used against you to minimize the amount of compensation you receive. It's best to consult with a personal injury lawyer before giving a recorded statement or speaking to insurance adjusters.
• Posting on social media — Social media has become a significant part of our lives, but it's essential to be careful about what you post after an accident. Insurance companies and defense lawyers will often scour social media looking for evidence to use against you. Even innocent posts, such as pictures of you smiling or enjoying a day out, can be used to argue that your injuries aren't as severe as you claim.
• Believing your own insurance company is on your side — Say you have to make an underinsured or uninsured motorist claim with your own insurance company. Many people think that because it's the insurance they've been paying into, the insurance adjuster will be more open to being fair. Unfortunately, that's not usually the case. Insurance companies are in the business of collecting premiums and denying claims – even if they're your premiums they've been collecting.
• Not consulting with a lawyer first — If liability is clear and your damages are relatively low, you may be able to get fair compensation without the aid of an attorney. If your accident and injuries are relatively straightforward, consult with a personal injury attorney to ensure you're not leaving any money on the table.

  In cases with higher damages, or with added complications like disputed liability, trying to handle it on your own could be a big mistake. Without a deep understanding of personal injury law and the legal process, it's easy to make mistakes that can cost you thousands of dollars. A personal injury lawyer can help navigate the complex legal system, negotiate with insurance companies and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Missouri and Illinois Personal Injury Lawyers | Burger Law

Personal injury claims can be overwhelming and complex. It's important to avoid making mistakes that can negatively impact your case. If you have any questions about the personal injury claims process in Missouri or Illinois, or just want to be sure the settlement offer is fair, speak to a personal injury lawyer today at (314) 500-HURT or contact us online for a free consultation.