If your injury happened because of someone else’s negligence, you deserve to receive a settlement for what it cost you and for the pain you endured. However, the insurance company or liable party probably don’t want to give you that amount. You’re going to have to fight for it.

Insurance companies have teams of experts whose sole responsibility is to protect the company against claims like yours. Defendants hire lawyers with the same job.

Sometimes victims make innocent mistakes that cost them their case or cause the amount of the settlement to be significantly less. We don’t want to see that happen to our clients. We’ll counsel you along the way if you choose to hire us after your free consultation, but we’ve also put together a list of mistakes to avoid so you have the best chance of receiving the compensation you deserve.

NOT CALLING POLICE AFTER A CAR WRECK

Even if the other driver looks like they’re literally rolling in money, they show you proof of insurance, the damage appears minor and they beg you not to, call the police if you have a car accident. Often the worst people are extremely good at deception. They could be begging you not to call because they’re drunk, they have outstanding warrants or they just don’t want the ticket.

You need a police report. The officer will verify that their license and insurance is valid and often assign blame when he or she writes a ticket. That way if the person at fault changes their mind later about whether or not they want to make things right, you have a way to follow up.

MINIMIZING YOUR INJURIES

After a car wreck or other accident, your body floods with adrenaline and endorphins. It’s hard to tell the extent of any injuries. At first, you might think you’re fine. Any pain you feel, you assume will go away.

One of the biggest reasons insurance adjusters deny claims or offer extremely low amounts is the victim didn’t seek medical care after the accident. Always seek treatment right away when something happens and never agree to give the other person’s insurance company a recorded statement before you’ve had time to evaluate what’s really going on.

POSTING THINGS YOU SHOULDN’T ON SOCIAL MEDIA

If you post it online, it isn’t private. Adjusters and attorneys for the other party want to argue you aren’t as injured as you claim. If they can find photos or information on social media to support that idea, they will absolutely use it against you. It’s best not to post at all, but if you must, be extremely cautious.

SKIPPING MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS

Sometimes when you’re hurt, you don’t feel like going to more doctor’s appointments or taking more tests. Even though you’re still in pain, sometimes you just want to get off the road to recovery and take a break. That can damage your claim.

You know you’re still hurting, but the other side can argue gaps in treatment occurred because you were feeling better or weren’t actually hurt in the first place. Listen to your doctors. Do what they tell you to do.

Also, it’s a good idea to keep everything related to your treatment. Don’t just save bills, keep empty prescription bottles, braces, medical equipment and anything else you needed during your recovery. It’s all evidence of the extent of your injury.

LETTING THE STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS RUN OUT

You need to file your personal injury claim within two years of the date the accident occurred. If you get past that amount of time, it’s not likely you will be successful. If a government agency is liable, you could have even less time.

At Monsour Law Firm, we help clients get what they deserve when they file their Texas personal injury claim. Schedule your free consultation today.