Four Mistakes You Might Make If You Don't Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer
When you have been hurt because of someone else and want to file a claim against them, you may think it is a straightforward process you can do on your own. You might not think that you need an attorney on your side, but here are some mistakes you could make without the assistance of a personal injury attorney.
Waiting Too Long to File
You may want to wait to file any claims until you recover from your injuries, but you might end up waiting too long. Every state has its own requirements about how long you have to file a personal injury claim; a personal injury lawyer will ensure you don't miss any critical deadlines.
Not Submitting Enough Information
In order for your claim to be successful, you need to prove that you were injured as a result of the other party's negligence. If you don't submit adequate documentation about what happened on the day of the incident and what happened to you, you might not get the settlement you want.
Some of the documents you might be asked to produce are:
- Medical records
- Witness interviews
- Police report
Enlisting a good lawyer will help you produce as many documents as are necessary to prove the fault of the other party so that you prevail.
Taking the Insurance Company's First Offer
Many people who handle these kinds of claims themselves end up taking the first settlement amount offered to them, just because they don't know enough about these cases to know they could seek more money. The first settlement you are offered may seem fair, but an experienced lawyer can tell you whether the deal is a good one or whether you should wait for a better one.
Settling for Injuries Alone
If the insurance company offers you a settlement amount that you think you are okay with, you might not read the agreement too closely. You may very well miss language that tells you that by accepting the settlement, you can no longer seek any kind of additional settlement. That might not bother you--until you realize that you could have gotten additional money for the damage done to your car or truck. A good lawyer can investigate any paperwork on your behalf and find any problems hidden in the agreements you're about to sign.
Now that you are aware of some of the mistakes that might jeopardize your settlement after you've been in an accident, be sure to consult a few lawyers in the area. Choose a reputable personal injury attorney who can ensure that you receive the financial settlement you are entitled to.
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