Three personal injury case mistakes to avoid

Three personal injury case mistakes to avoid

Personal injury lawsuit cases come about when an individual is injured in an accident resulting from the negligence or intentional act of another. Money damages are paid to the injured victim by the person who is found to be liable for causing the accident.

Damages can be agreed upon by all parties involved in the lawsuit by way of a negotiated settlement or may be awarded by a judge or jury following a trial in a court of law. No matter how the case is resolved, it could be worth millions of dollars to the injured party, especially in cases where the injuries are severe to catastrophic or in cases of wrongful death, which can be used to pay medical bills, hospital costs, lost wages, rehabilitation, and other accident-related expenses.

Unfortunately, the decisions that many people make after their accident may have negative effects on the outcome of their legal case. Personal injury case mistakes can end up costing you the compensation you need to recover from your injuries.

Don’t kill your case by doing these things

Perhaps the number one personal injury case mistake is failing to get medical care after an accident. It is your responsibility, no matter who is at fault in the accident, to prove that you were injured and the extent of those injuries. Not only is it your responsibility to show and prove that you were injured, but that the injury is a result of the accident.

Failure to go the hospital or get proper medical treatment immediately after your accident gives the insurance companies the ammunition they need to claim that your injuries weren’t accident-related.

Lack of documentation about the accident and your injuries can also seriously hamper your chances of recovering damages. Documentation needed to prove your case can include, but isn’t limited to:

  • Photos of the accident scene
  • Police reports from the scene
  • Witness statements as well as names and all contact information
  • Medical records and any bills that arise as a result of your injury
  • Insurance information and any correspondence from the companies involved
  • Pay stubs, W-2 information, and any other paperwork that documents your pay and work history
  • Photos of your injuries

There are complex legal rules involved in many personal injury cases. Also, compensation can vary greatly depending upon the severity of your injuries, especially in cases of long-term or disabling injuries. Proceeding without an attorney can cost you so much more than the money you would pay for an attorney to represent you.

Before you do anything else, get legal advice

To avoid making personal injury mistakes, consult a personal injury attorney. Gregory A Yates, Los Angeles PI attorney with offices in Encino, has been handling personal injury cases, including car accident cases, product liability, wrongful death, and more for over 40 years.

Contact Gregory Yates to schedule a free consultation.