Experiencing a personal injury can be overwhelming, especially in a place like Glendale, CA, where traffic, workplace hazards, and other risks are common. After an injury, it’s important to take the right steps to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve. Unfortunately, many people make avoidable mistakes that can jeopardize their personal injury claims. In this article, we’ll go over the top five mistakes to avoid after a personal injury in Glendale, and how you can safeguard your rights.
1. Failing to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
One of the most common mistakes people make after a personal injury is not seeking medical care right away. Whether it’s a car accident, a slip and fall, or another incident, some people try to “tough it out,” thinking their injuries are minor. This can lead to serious consequences both for your health and your legal case.
Even if you don’t feel severely injured, it’s critical to see a doctor as soon as possible after the incident. Some injuries, like concussions or internal injuries, may not show immediate symptoms. A medical professional can assess your condition and provide documentation that will be invaluable in your personal injury claim. Without medical records linking the injury to the incident, insurance companies or defense attorneys may argue that your injuries weren’t caused by the accident, severely weakening your case.
2. Not Collecting Evidence at the Scene
Another crucial mistake many people make is failing to gather evidence at the scene of the accident. In a personal injury case, evidence is key to proving liability and securing compensation. Without it, you may find it much more difficult to substantiate your claim.
Here’s what you should do immediately after the injury (if you’re able to):
- Take photographs: Capture images of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to property.
- Collect witness information: Gather names, phone numbers, and statements from anyone who witnessed the incident.
- Document conditions: If you fell on a wet floor, take pictures of the area showing the hazard. If it was a car accident, take photos of the vehicles involved.
If you were unable to collect evidence due to the nature of your injuries, your attorney can help gather relevant information from other sources, such as surveillance footage, police reports, and more.
3. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without Legal Representation
Insurance adjusters may seem friendly and helpful, but their goal is to minimize the amount their company has to pay out. They may try to get you to admit fault or downplay the severity of your injuries. It’s essential to remember that anything you say to an insurance adjuster can be used against you in your case.
Before speaking to any insurance companies, consult with a personal injury lawyer. Your attorney can handle communication with insurance adjusters and ensure that your rights are protected. They’ll also make sure that any offers made by the insurance company are fair, as initial settlement offers are often much lower than what you’re entitled to receive.
4. Posting on Social Media
In today’s digital age, many people share every aspect of their lives on social media. However, after a personal injury, what you post online can hurt your case. Insurance companies and defense attorneys may monitor your social media profiles for any evidence that contradicts your claims.
For example, if you’re claiming severe back pain but post pictures of yourself hiking or dancing, the opposing side may argue that your injuries aren’t as serious as you claim. Even innocent posts can be taken out of context and used against you.
To protect your case, avoid posting about your accident or injuries on social media. It’s also a good idea to refrain from posting any photos or status updates that could be interpreted in a way that weakens your claim.
5. Delaying Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer
Many people hesitate to hire a lawyer after a personal injury, thinking they can handle the claim on their own or not wanting to deal with legal fees. However, personal injury cases are complex, and insurance companies have teams of lawyers whose job is to reduce the amount of compensation they pay out. Without legal representation, you may miss important deadlines, settle for less than you deserve, or make costly mistakes that hurt your case.
In California, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is two years from the date of the injury. Waiting too long to hire a lawyer can lead to missed deadlines and lost evidence. An experienced personal injury lawyer in Glendale will not only ensure that all legal processes are followed correctly but will also fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
How a Glendale Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
Hiring a personal injury lawyer early in the process can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. A lawyer can help you:
- Investigate your case: Gathering evidence, speaking to witnesses, and reconstructing the accident to determine fault.
- Negotiate with insurance companies: Ensuring that you don’t settle for less than you’re entitled to and handling all communications with the insurers.
- Provide legal representation in court: If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your attorney can take the case to trial to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they don’t get paid unless you win your case. This allows you to pursue justice without worrying about upfront legal costs.
Conclusion
After a personal injury in Glendale, avoiding common mistakes is crucial to maximizing your compensation and protecting your rights. Seeking medical attention, gathering evidence, avoiding social media, and hiring an attorney early can help you build a strong case. If you’ve been injured in an accident, contact a Glendale personal injury lawyer to discuss your case and begin the process of getting the compensation you deserve.
