Five Common Mistakes People Make During Personal Injury Claims
Suffering injuries during an accident that wasn’t your fault can affect every area of your life. Mounting medical bills, psychological distress, and months of lost wages can leave you feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. It is important, however, not to allow this frustration to cloud your judgment regarding your personal injury claims.
Retaining a personal injury lawyer is one of the best things you can do after suffering serious bodily injury in Southeastern Virginia in an accident caused by someone else. The following are five common mistakes people make during personal injury claims. Avoiding these five mistakes will help you have a greater chance of obtaining financial compensation for your injuries.
Forgetting to Document Your Injuries
You need to make sure that you gather as much documentary evidence as possible so you can substantiate your claims. One common mistake injured victims make after an accident is forgetting to take photographs or video recordings of their injuries.
You may have photographs from the emergency room physicians who treated you immediately after the accident. However, you do not need to stop documenting your injuries as soon as you leave the hospital. Keeping an injury diary and photographing your injuries regularly can help you substantiate your legal claims.
Renewing a Driver’s License or Commercial Vehicle License
If you suffered serious bodily injuries and can no longer drive a vehicle or participate in other activities requiring a license, you need to consult a personal injury lawyer before renewing any license.
Any party can acquire the information available at the state agencies and departments that process the documents necessary for license renewal. Information in the renewal applications may harm your personal injury case.
Failing to Heed Your Physician’s Recommendations
You should always attend physical therapy appointments, chiropractic treatment sessions, and MRIs recommended by your primary care physician. Maintaining a consistent therapy and treatment routine will help you document your physical condition and the course of your recovery.
By attending recommended treatment sessions, you are also demonstrating that you want to heal from your injuries and move on with your life. Do not throw away any prescriptions, medicine containers, or other items that help to prove your injuries.
Signing Any Documents
Do not sign any documents without first consulting a personal injury lawyer. Insurance companies may attempt to have you sign documents that contain provisions and clauses which will harm your chances of seeking financial compensation for your injuries.
Specific releases may permit insurance companies to access your medical records. Also, insurance companies may attempt to have you sign documents that will bar you from seeking the financial compensation you deserve.
Sharing Details of Your Injuries on Social Media Platforms
Insurance claims adjusters and defense lawyers will scour the internet, searching for information regarding your social media profiles. Your accounts may be private, but third parties may still access documents that will harm your case.
Do not post any personal information regarding your case. Also, do not post photographs or videos showing that you are not injured. Do not trust anyone with your social media information, and always practice vigilance while your personal injury case is ongoing.
Contact the Law Office of Steven D. Barnette, P.C. Today for a Consultation
Avoiding these five mistakes will help you have a better chance of pursuing the monetary compensation you deserve. If you are seeking a personal injury lawyer in southeastern Virginia, contact us. We represent clients throughout the state of Virginia, and we have years of experience helping clients recover financial compensation for their injuries that were caused by someone else’s negligence.
Suffering injuries during an accident can leave you feeling lost and confused. Do not make the mistakes some people make that damage their chances of pursuing their personal injury claims. Contact the Virginia personal injury lawyers of the Law Office of Steven D. Barnette, P.C. today at 804-693-2274 to learn more about how we can help you get the compensation you deserve.
