Man at desk with pen and paper and computer at desk. We explain 5 common mistakes to avoid during your personal injury case.

5 Mistakes To Avoid At All Costs During Your Personal Injury Case

Filing a personal injury lawsuit in New York overwhelms a lot of first-time claimants. You’re already going through a stressful situation dealing with your physical injuries, and handling all the steps involved in the claims process can become too much. The added pressure also might lead to you unknowingly making serious missteps and receiving far less than you deserve. If you’re about to file a claim, avoid these five common mistakes to ensure you have the best chance of winning your case.

#1 Not Having Enough Evidence

Not having relevant evidence is why many personal injury cases get dismissed. Always take pictures, write down dates, and jot down as many details as possible about the incident and subsequent injuries. Additionally, get a copy of police reports and any medical documentation highlighting the severity of your injuries. The more detailed your evidence, the easier it’ll be to hold the defendant accountable for what happened.

#2 Not Seeking Medical Help

Getting emergency treatment is the first thing to do after an accident. Despite this fact, many victims refuse to get medical help. This act alone could worsen your potential injuries and even cost you your entire case.

Medical evidence is a key part of your defense, especially when the accident first happens. By not taking this step immediately, the defendant might try to downplay what happened and argue that your injuries aren’t serious enough for compensation. Always seek medical attention ASAP after an accident.

#3 Missing The Statute Of Limitations

In New York, most personal injury cases have a three-year statute of limitations. Some victims wait too long to start the process, only to get their case dismissed by the courts. Avoid this mistake by filing earlier than later.  This way, the accident’s details are fresh in your mind, and you have enough time to build a stronger case against the defendant.

#4 Trusting Insurance Adjusters

Insurance adjusters aren’t your friends. Their main job is to investigate the case and find ways to minimize payouts as much as possible. Some may act friendly only to convince you to share information that might hurt your case and lower your chances of getting a fair settlement. Always be careful with what you share, and let your attorney handle them whenever possible.

#5 Not Hiring A Personal Injury Attorney

Many personal injury victims try to file a claim without a lawyer. However, doing this could lower your settlement by up to 440%. An experienced personal injury attorney has years of experience handling cases similar to yours. They’ll give you valuable insight and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

Speak To Our Personal Injury Attorneys

Did you suffer from an accident and are looking to file a claim for damages? Our New York personal injury lawyers have represented thousands of victims since 1952. We’ll guide you through the process and hold the responsible party accountable for their actions. Please contact us at (866) 574-0825 to schedule a free case review with one of our attorneys today.