If you’re injured because of someone’s negligence, North Carolina laws allow you to claim compensation from the at-fault party. A strong claim and lawsuit can help you receive a financial settlement to compensate for damages resulting from the accident.
How you handle your case can affect the success of your claim. Many have lost claims and strong cases because of simple mistakes made after the accident or during the lawsuit. This article highlights three common mistakes that can hurt your personal injury case to help you avoid them.
Poor Documentation and Record Keeping
Proper documentation after an accident helps establish what happened at the accident scene and who is liable. This usually involves getting witness statements and a detailed accident report.
Good records of the accident and related matters, such as medical expenses and lost wages, can help you establish a strong case and file your claim appropriately.
Without this documentation and record, it will be difficult to accurately show what happened and who is at fault. To prevent this, take photos of the accident or get someone to do that if you’re incapable, and ensure a professional body like the police writes a detailed and accurate accident report you can refer to later.
Not Seeking Medical Attention
It is important to seek medical attention after an accident, whether at work or on the road. Your medical records provide strong evidence for any personal injury case due to the accident. Failure to seek medical care can jeopardize your case. Even delaying seeking medical attention can make it harder to prove causation to link your injuries to the accident.
You can prevent this by promptly seeking medical attention after an accident. Even though you don’t feel like you need one, get it for record purposes. It is also important to follow the doctor’s instructions and follow up on your appointments. This provides an accurate medical record that proves causation and helps you calculate satisfactory compensation.
Engaging Insurance Companies Without a Lawyer
Speaking to an insurance company after an accident is an expensive mistake that can lead to many other mistakes. Insurance companies appear to want to help you settle the matter quickly, when in reality they’re pursuing their interests and those of the liable party.
They can pressure to settle too quickly, even when their initial offer is very low. This is a crucial mistake because you can’t reopen your claim after accepting a settlement offer. Insurance companies can also make you give a recorded statement before you fully understand the extent of your injuries and case.
Consulting an attorney before speaking to any insurance company is the best way to avoid this. It is often best to consult specialized lawyers for your personal injury case. For example, get a North Carolina car accident lawyer for your case if you’re involved in a car crash. Some lawyers offer free consultations. Leverage these to understand your case and select a compatible attorney.
Endnote
North Carolina laws mandate at-fault parties to compensate injured victims after an accident. A personal injury claim allows you to access this compensation. Avoid common mistakes like poor documentation and record keeping, not seeking medical care, and engaging insurance companies without a lawyer. These mistakes can jeopardize your case and affect your compensation.