After suffering a serious injury due to someone else’s negligence, your primary focus should be on your recovery and well-being.
However, certain mistakes made early in the process can hinder your ability to get the compensation you deserve.
In St. Louis, personal injury cases require clear documentation and evidence, along with sound legal guidance. Here are three common mistakes injured victims make—and how to avoid them.
1. Delaying Medical Attention
One of the biggest mistakes victims make is waiting to see a doctor. After an accident, some injuries may not show symptoms right away. Conditions like whiplash, internal bleeding, or concussions may take days to become apparent. Delaying medical attention can not only worsen your injuries but may also hurt your case. Insurance companies often argue that if you didn’t seek immediate care, your injuries aren’t as serious as claimed or may not be related to the accident.
What to Do Instead: Seek medical attention immediately, even if you don’t feel severe pain right away. A thorough medical exam provides documentation of your injuries and establishes a connection between the accident and your condition. Follow through with all recommended treatments to show that you’re taking your recovery seriously.
2. Talking To Insurance Adjusters Without Legal Representation
Insurance companies will likely reach out soon after an accident, and while they may seem helpful, their goal is to minimize their payout. Adjusters are trained to ask questions that can lead you to downplay your injuries or admit partial fault. Any statements made to an insurance adjuster can be used against you later. Even a seemingly harmless comment like, “I’m feeling better,” can impact your claim’s value.
What to Do Instead:
Before speaking with any insurance representatives, consult a personal injury attorney. An experienced attorney can handle all communication with insurance companies, ensuring that nothing is said that could be misconstrued to lower your claim. They’ll also know the fair value of your case and can negotiate aggressively on your behalf.
3. Accepting The First Settlement Offer
Insurance companies are quick to offer settlements after an accident, often before you understand the full extent of your injuries. Initial offers tend to be low and may not account for future medical expenses, lost wages, or the emotional toll of the accident. Once you accept a settlement, you usually cannot seek additional compensation—even if your medical bills continue to mount.
What to Do Instead:
Do not accept a settlement offer without consulting your attorney. Personal injury attorneys understand the long-term costs associated with serious injuries and can help you evaluate any offer. They’ll work to ensure you receive a settlement that covers all present and future expenses, so you aren’t left financially burdened down the road.
Get The Help You Deserve
After a serious accident in St. Louis, avoiding these mistakes can make a significant difference in your case’s outcome.
Consulting a skilled personal injury attorney can help you navigate the claims process, handle the insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Don’t go through this alone—reach out to a trusted St. Louis personal injury lawyer today to protect your rights and your future.
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