Common Mistakes Personal Injury Victims Make

An unfortunate reality that many fail to realize is that the majority of the United States population will experience an accident at one point or another in life. After an accident or incident the parties involved rightfully try to get as much done as possible, as soon as possible. During this time, parties are often confused and anxious about the uncertainty of their health and future. When these feelings become overwhelming, it is important to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney at Colombo Law. However, many people tend to handle the initial phases on their own. As a result, victims make some common mistakes when handling what may become a personal injury claim. The following are the top three most common mistakes.

Underestimating your Injuries

At the time of an accident or incident, many individuals feel embarrassed and less concerned than they should be about their injuries. In addition, the adrenaline people experience make their pain feel less than it actually is. As a result, injured parties underestimate their injuries. Many times individuals indicate to law enforcement officers, medical personnel, and other professionals that they feel “okay” or “just fine.” These individuals often begin to feel pain in the days and weeks following the accident or incident. This is why it is important to take the possibility of injury seriously and seek immediate medical treatment. Avoid making any statements that insurance companies and other individuals may use against you in the future.

Speaking with an Insurance Company

Many times individuals want to be upfront and truthful. The notion makes sense as many personal injury victims have nothing to hide. However, in many cases, insurance companies do not have the injured party’s best interests in mind. Providing too much information to insurance companies (such as medical records and verbal and/or written statements) can be used against you. While providing basic information is sometimes necessary to report an accident, you should not make any statements that suggest you are feeling better than you may be. If you are in doubt, do not answer any unclear questions without speaking with an experienced attorney.

Failing to Hire an Attorney

No matter how strong your case is there are time limits, rules, and other procedures that must be followed. Failing to follow these statutory and procedural requirements may result in your claim being dismissed or other unfavorable action. In addition, attorneys are experienced regarding the worth of a potential claim. Monetary relief offered may sound ideal to you, but it may not be the fair compensation for the injuries you sustained. The knowledge and guidance an attorney provides is often invaluable. It does not matter where you are in the process of your personal injury claim to have an attorney review your case and determine whether you are entitled to relief.

Avoiding Pitfalls

The mistakes listed above are just some of the most common mistakes individuals make after being involved in an accident or incident. Unfortunately, there are many more pitfalls that individuals experience which limit or eliminate their chance of recovery. To maximize your probability of success, you need a trusted attorney who has your best interests in mind. Colombo Law was established in 1999 and has provided competent representation for over 30 years. If you or your loved one has been involved in an accident or incident, contact us today for an initial consultation.


by Colombo Law
Last updated on - Originally published on