Have you recently filed a lawsuit after being involved in a car accident that caused an injury? If so, you may believe that things will work out as they are supposed to, and that you will receive the compensation you deserve.
But that is not always the case. There are several common mistakes that may negatively impact your case and your right to compensation. Because three-quarters of all car accidents in Philadelphia result in an injury of some sort, you should be aware of the ways you could inadvertently sabotage your case and potential compensation.
Don’t Sign Away Your Legal Rights
Many insurance companies use language such as “full and final” for claims that are both known and unknown in different releases. If you sign a document with this wording, it means you are waiving (losing) the ability to file a future claim. Never sign anything until you have spoken with your injury attorney.
You should also keep your medical records and phone records private. Never give them to a third-party adjusting service, at-fault driver, or other insurance company without speaking to and receiving approval first from your attorney.
Don’t Discuss Your Case
Defense lawyers, third-party “risk managers,” and insurance adjusters may attempt to contact you after your accident. It is best to avoid talking to anyone who has been hired or represents the at-fault driver or their insurance company.
It is also a good idea to avoid talking about your case to anyone but the accident attorney that you have hired. If you have an adjuster who wants to question you about what happened and the lawsuit, simply tell them to call your attorney.
Disclose Pre-Existing Conditions Or Injuries
If you are receiving treatment from a doctor or specialist and they ask about your medical history, you must share your entire medical history. This includes any and all of your pre-existing medical conditions and injuries. Even if you do not think they are relevant, you still need to disclose these details.
Having a pre-existing condition does not mean the end of your lawsuit. Many people have pre-existing conditions, and go on to secure adequate compensation for their injuries. However, if you do not let your doctor know about these conditions, or if you lie about them, it can negatively affect the case in the future.
Don’t Post On Social Media
Defense attorneys and insurance adjusters will look at your social media pages to determine if everything you have said is true. Even if you have your accounts set to “private,” there are still ways to locate the information online. If you have posted anything about the accident that negates your injury claims or provides the other side with something they can use – even if it is out of context – it may hurt the ability you have to recover any compensation for your damages or injuries.
A good rule of thumb is to just avoid posting on social media until your lawsuit is settled. This will reduce potential issues and keep your right to compensation protected.
Protect Your Ability To Recover Compensation
While filing a lawsuit is a good first step, you also need an attorney to help you avoid making some of the mistakes mentioned here. By avoiding these common mistakes, you will protect your right for compensation and receive the full value for your car accident injuries and damages.
