Injured In An Accident? Don't Make The Following Mistakes
If you've been injured in an accident, you want to avoid mistakes that could jeopardize your case. The last thing you want is to have your case dismissed, or miss out on compensation you're entitled to because you didn't take the proper steps. When it comes to your rights as an accident victim, don't take chances. Here are four mistakes that could derail your accident claim.
Failing to Report the Incident
Whether you've been involved in a car accident, or bit by the neighbor's dog, you need to file a police report. The information you give the officer will be included in the report, which can be used to prove your case against the person responsible for your injuries. If you don't file a police report, you might have a harder time proving your case against the responsible party, especially if it turns into a case of one person's word against the other. To protect your rights, contact the police department and file a report as soon as possible.
Waiting to See the Doctor
If you've been injured, you need to see the doctor even if you think your injuries are minor. You may have injuries that haven't made themselves apparent yet, which can happen after a car accident. Injuries such as soft tissue or muscle damage, nerve damage, and even concussions, may not present any symptoms for a few days. If you wait too long, you could suffer more serious damage. Not only that, but delaying medical treatment can undermine your case, especially if the other party tries to say that you weren't really injured, or that your injuries were caused after the incident. To protect your rights, and your health, visit the doctor as soon as you can.
Allowing Your Statement to be Recorded
The insurance company is going to be looking for a way to undermine your case against their client. One way they'll do that is through recorded statements. They know that once you make a recorded statement, it will be too difficult for you to change your answers, even if you remember something later. To avoid problems, don't make recorded statements until you speak to an attorney.
Trying to File Without a Lawyer
Civil litigation can be confusing and stressful. This is particularly true if you're trying to deal with the case without legal representation. If you've been injured in an accident, the worst thing you can do is proceed without a lawyer. If you've been injured in an accident, you need to speak to a civil litigation lawyer as soon as possible.
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