Avoid Making Typical Errors in Your Personal Injury Claim
Getting paid relatively after suffering harm in an accident where another person is at fault is all about a combination of things that, if you do not pay attention to, can ruin your case outright. You do not want to mess it up, but some errors stand out and will become your worst nightmare if you want justice in New Mexico.
“The goal should never be to resolve matters quickly. Without understanding the repercussions, it can result in low pay that will not accommodate subsequent related expenses,” says John Duran of New Mexico Accident Firm, LLC.
Whether recovering from a slip-and-fall or a motor vehicle accident, you must do your legal work right. Let us discuss some common errors people make and examine how to avoid them to win your case with your insurance company.
Not Seeking Medical Attention Immediately
An important thing to do after being injured is to receive medical assistance immediately. Early medical intervention helps maintain your health and is key to your case credibility. Delays in seeking medical help could cause insurance companies to claim that your injuries were not serious or did not occur while performing your duties.
Additionally, ensure that you do not have gaps in your treatment. Insurers can argue that the severity of your injuries is, to some extent, caused by your failure to follow your doctor's advice, which can significantly harm your compensation case.
Missing Deadlines
Your attorney carefully handles each step of your case, from reporting accidents to the police, to submitting papers to the court. However, there are time constraints. Each state has a specific deadline, so it is essential to have your lawyer guide you to avoid making mistakes.
Generally, you have three years after your accident to bring a suit on most New Mexico personal injury claims. Missing deadlines can close your case forever and prevent you from recovering damages, even if your case is extreme.
Too Much Speech
Revealing more to the other party or on social media can harm your case. Insurance companies and defense attorneys understand such information well and will actively use it to minimize or contest claims.
Even casual remarks that you make online or that you say to your friends can be taken out of context and used to undermine your injuries as minor or to contest your accident's details. So, limit in-depth conversations regarding your accident to your lawyer.
Making Hasty Agreements
One prevalent mistake claimants make is accepting their initial offer too quickly. Low-balled initial offers are often made to resolve the case against their insurance company at a low cost.
You must negotiate with your lawyer, who can help you determine if the payout is enough to cover all your medical expenses, lost earnings, and other damages you have incurred.
Overlooking Documentation
If you do not have concrete evidence, it will be challenging to demonstrate the exact severity of your injuries and link them to the actual incident. It takes more than just medical records; consider obtaining police reports, accident scene photos, witness accounts, and a detailed, firsthand account of what happened to you when things turned ugly.
If you do not have that vital information, your case may lack grounds for fair compensation. To prevent this inconvenience, ensure you obtain copies of all relevant documents as soon as an issue arises. Having your lawyer present ensures you do not omit something vital, so hire one.
Not Hiring a Lawyer
Attorneys are particularly adept at identifying opportunities you might overlook and preventing you from making moves that could compromise your case. Additionally, even simple cases can have complex legal aspects you may not consider until someone with expertise examines them.
When selecting an attorney, choose one who specializes in personal injury work and conduct thorough research on their background. Obtaining good referrals from friends, checking online reviews, and assessing whether clients appear satisfied can all provide some indication of an attorney's performance.
