Confusion and feeling overwhelmed are common after an accident, and at the same time, the victim is not sure what to do next. In Pensacola, Florida, this is the case with a lot of injury victims who, without meaning to, make decisions that reduce the strength of their personal injury claims even before they talk to a lawyer. Knowing the most common pitfalls to be avoided before consulting a Pensacola Personal Injury Lawyer will not only protect your rights but also increase your chances of being compensated fairly.
One of the major errors made by individuals is the postponement of medical treatment. The case will, however, suffer considerably if the injured person does not go through with the medical consultation right away regardless of how minor the injury appears. One of the tactics used by insurance companies is to claim that the injury was not serious or that it was caused by something else due to the delay. Instant medical documentation also works in favor of the lawyers as it provides them with clear evidence that the injuries were indeed sustained in the accident. Pensacola personal injury lawyer makes use of this documentation in order to construct a powerful claim.
One more frequent error is to provide recorded statements to the insurance companies without having a lawyer present. Even if the insurance adjusters are acting nice or caring, they will always be trained to ask questions that will lower or reject your claim. Your words will be taken as evidence against you at a later stage. So before getting in touch with a Pensacola personal injury lawyer avoid recorded statements and limit the communication with insurers as much as possible.
Social media usage is yet another major mistake that numerous accident victims fail to notice. Regardless of whether it is a picture, a location tag, or a nonchalant remark about your life, it can still be misinterpreted and adduced against the injury you’re claiming. In fact, even innocent or insignificant posts can ruin your reliability. An attorney for personal injury in Pensacola would very frequently counsel his/her clients not to engage in social networking at all until their case is resolved.
Accepting a quick settlement offer is a huge blunder as well. Insurers typically make early settlement offers that are very attractive at the time when the medical expenses and costs are increasing. Nonetheless, such offers rarely represent the full worth of a claim particularly when taking into account future medical care, loss of income and damage to quality of life due to pain, etc. Once a settlement is accepted, the claimant usually forfeits the right to ask for more money. It is very important to get the opinion of a Pensacola personal injury lawyer before accepting any amount offered.
Ultimately, one of the most detrimental mistakes can be delayed contact with a lawyer. In the state of Florida, law imposes strict time limitations referred to as statutes of limitations on personal injury cases. If you do not file your claim within the time limit, you will lose the right to get any compensation. The sooner you consult a Pensacola personal injury attorney, the more assured your compliance with every legal requirement and proper handling of your case from the very beginning.
Not making these mistakes prior to getting in touch with a personal injury lawyer in Pensacola will bring a major change in the result of your lawsuit. When backed by an attorney, you will be able to assert your rights, steer clear of expensive mistakes, and devote your energy to recuperation while your lawyer is striving to get you the payment that you are entitled to.
