If you or a loved one have been injured due to the negligence of another person or party, you have the right to seek compensation. If you live in Michigan, you must move quickly to pursue a personal injury claim. The statute of limitations is three years after injury or death.
A person can make many mistakes during the personal injury claim process. Watertown attorneys specializing in personal injury claims can assist you with navigating the process. However, it’s important to know common mistakes so you can ensure that you avoid them.
This guide will discuss common mistakes that might occur during a personal injury case. Educate yourself on the topic while partnering with a “personal injury attorney near me.”
Failing to Seek Medical Treatment
Waiting to get medical treatment or failing to get it all together is one of the worst things that can happen to a personal injury claim. A jury and insurance company might not think you were severely hurt if you didn’t go to the doctor immediately. The opposing party will use this fact in building their argument against your case.
Other reasons you should go to a doctor immediately after a personal injury include:
- Your injuries might not be visible
- Doctor’s notes and documents are needed during the claims process
- Your costs are verified
In addition to potentially jeopardizing your legal case, failing to go to the doctor could result in physical discomfort. It’s essential to address your injuries immediately, even if you can’t physically see them.
Not Filing Fast Enough
As we mentioned, you have three years from the date of injury or death to file a personal injury claim in Michigan. Your case won’t be heard if you don’t file your claim during that period.
Considering the claim filing deadline and getting started on paperwork can be challenging if you’re recovering from an injury. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney right away can alleviate that stress. They’ll handle filling out personal injury claim documents and filing them on your behalf.
Accepting the First Offer, You Receive
Many personal injury claims get settled without having to go to trial. Don’t think that just because you receive an offer means you have to accept it.
A personal injury attorney will negotiate on your behalf to increase the amount of money you receive. You might encounter multiple offers before deciding which one you want. The first offer from the opposing party is rarely their best one.
Not Holding the Right Parties Liable
Multiple individuals and parties might be liable for your injuries in a personal injury case. For example, if you’re injured during a car accident, the following people can be liable:
- The driver
- Auto repair shop
- Insurance company
- City workers
- Insurance companies
- Car manufacturer
A personal injury attorney will evaluate the evidence in your case. They’ll use that information to ensure you seek damages from the right parties.
Hiding Your Medical History
Your doctor needs to know your entire health history. This enables them to diagnose your illness or injury accurately. You must be honest when filling out your health history form during your appointments.
This means you might have to let your medical provider know about pre-existing health issues that could be linked to your injury. You don’t want it to look like you were hiding information so you could receive more compensation. Tell your doctor about any symptoms, illnesses, or pain you had before the accident.
Making a Recorded Statement
The opposing party’s insurance company might ask you to make a recorded statement. They’re not calling you to ask about your well-being. Instead, they’re fishing for information they can use to build a case against you.
If the other insurance company contacts you, tell them they need to contact your injury attorney. You shouldn’t be speaking to anyone besides your lawyer during the claim filing process.
Missing Medical Appointments and Treatments
You want to ensure you attend every medical appointment you have scheduled during your treatment. Failing to attend an appointment will slow down your healing. Your doctor might not appreciate you missing a treatment, which could affect their potential testimony.
Missing appointments might make the jury or insurance companies think you’re not seriously injured. They could also think that you don’t care about getting better. People might not believe you’re experiencing the symptoms and pain you say you are.
Let your doctor’s office know if you can’t make it to your medical appointments. They can help arrange transportation to your appointments while maintaining your credibility.
Expecting to Get Compensation in the Future
If you decide to take a settlement offer, you can’t file future claims or lawsuits on the same case. That’s why you need to work with an experienced personal injury attorney during the process. They can help ensure that the settlement amount you accept covers your future and current costs.
These damages include, but aren’t limited to:
- Loss of wages
- Property damage
- Medical costs
- Quality of life
- Rehab expenses
- Pain and suffering
Not Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer
You don’t need to hire a personal injury attorney to seek compensation for your injuries. Some people think they’ll save money if they don’t hire an attorney. Unfortunately, that decision could cost you more money in the end.
A Michigan personal injury attorney knows the laws of the state. They can collect the proper evidence and information to build a strong case on your behalf. You might receive a higher settlement amount when you work with an attorney.
Avoid Making These Common Personal Injury Claim Mistakes
The personal injury claim process is overwhelming. On top of navigating the legal process, you’re also dealing with recovering from your injuries. That’s why it’s so easy to make personal injury claim mistakes.
If you’re looking for Lake Mills or Watertown lawyers, look no further than Neuberger, Griggs, Sweet & Froehle. Contact us to schedule a consultation for a personal injury claim.