5 Mistakes Personal Injury Victims Make
I want to share some common mistakes injury victims often make.
Unfortunately, accident victims sometimes act before hiring a lawyer—or even after hiring one—without seeking or following their attorney’s advice. Here’s a 5-item list of the most frequent mistakes personal injury victims make:
1. Not Getting the Police Involved at the Scene
If you’re not catastrophically injured and can move around safely, get the police to the scene.
Don’t rely on the other driver, construction manager, or store owner who says, “Don’t worry, it’s my fault. I’ll take care of this.”
Here’s what you should do:
Get a police report.
Use your smartphone to collect evidence:
Take photos.
Get witness names.
A common mistake is being timid or scared. Muster up the courage to be proactive at that moment—you’ll always want more evidence down the road.
2. Not Following Through with Medical Treatment
Go to the ER or a doctor as soon as possible after an incident.
Follow the prescribed treatment plan:
Attend physical therapy.
Get MRIs or any other tests the doctor recommends.
If you disregard your doctor’s advice, the insurance company may argue that you are responsible for your injuries worsening.
3. Not Sharing Everything with Your Doctor
Many injury victims feel shy or worried about admitting past injuries or conditions.
They fear that revealing these details might hurt their new claim.
This is not true!
Be forthcoming with your doctor about your history.
If you’re unsure or nervous, talk to your lawyer. Conversations with your lawyer are privileged and confidential, so share everything with them.
4. Talking to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company
Never:
Give a statement to the other driver’s insurance company.
Accept a settlement offer from them before consulting a lawyer.
Why?
The insurance company does not have your best interests in mind.
Ignore their calls and call a lawyer instead.
5. Thinking You Know Better Than Your Lawyer
This mistake often happens because:
A family member or friend had an injury case.
Or worse—a “friend of a friend” shared advice.
What these clients don’t realize is that every case is different with hundreds of unique variables.
Here’s what to do instead:
Spend time finding a lawyer you can trust.
Avoid choosing a lawyer just because you saw their ad on TV or a highway billboard.
Once you have a trustworthy lawyer, listen to their advice—their years of experience are invaluable.
Final Reminder
Personal injury lawyers work on contingency fees, meaning you do not need to pay anything out of pocket. So, you can always afford one.
Don’t let these common mistakes jeopardize your claim. With the right lawyer, you can focus on your recovery and pursue the compensation you deserve.
