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Are you looking for a personal injury lawyer? At Gould Injury Law, we understand how important your case is. That’s why our team works fast to get you the compensation you deserve.
Still, personal injury cases can be tricky, even when you have a great law firm on your side. While seeking compensation for your injuries and your financial losses is your goal, there are some common mistakes that can hinder your case.
In this article, we will discuss 9 common mistakes to avoid when working with a personal injury attorney.
1. Not Discussing Fees and Payment Options
Rushing too fast to hire a personal injury attorney without understanding the law firm’s fees is a common mistake. Most personal injury attorneys, including Gould Injury Law’s team members, work on a contingency fee basis. As such, these law firms only get paid if they win your personal injury claim. Others may charge an hourly rate or require an upfront retainer fee.
You should discuss fees and payment arrangements during your initial consultation with your legal team. Don’t forget to ask about other potential costs associated with your case. Doing so will prevent any financial surprises down the road.
2. Being Uninvolved or Failing to Communicate
One of the biggest mistakes people make when working with a personal injury attorney is poor communication or being uninvolved. Poor communication with your attorney can lead to misunderstandings and delays. It may even jeopardize the outcome of your case.
On the other hand, good communication allows your attorney to understand your situation, build a strong argument on your behalf, and resolve your claim faster.
Do your best to reply as soon as you can whenever your attorney requests information or updates. Your personal injury lawyer relies on accurate and timely information when fighting for a fair settlement. If any changes related to your claim or damages occur, provide an update as soon as possible.
Don’t be afraid to express any doubts or ask questions about your case. The right personal injury lawyer will patiently help you understand each step along the way. By openly discussing your concerns with your legal team, they can address your concerns and provide needed reassurance.
By staying actively involved and prioritizing communication, you help your attorney build a strong case on your behalf.
3. Communicating With Insurance Companies Without a Lawyer
Communicating with insurance companies without your personal injury lawyer can be a costly mistake. Insurance companies are skilled at minimizing payouts and protecting their own interests. This often means offering injured victims far less than they deserve.
Insurance company adjusters often ask leading questions, probing for information that can be used against you. When you provide a recorded statement without a lawyer present, it’s risky.
Don’t communicate your case alone. You may say something that could devalue your lawsuit; the adjusters may try to twist your words or get you to admit fault in some way. An experienced lawyer, though, will know how to respond to the insurance company to maximize your settlement offer.
4. Not Being Transparent About Your Case
It is crucial to be completely transparent about all aspects of your case. Remember, personal injury attorneys are on your side. They are there to help you get the best outcome possible for your case.
Do not withhold information related to your claim when consulting personal injury lawyers.
What if you think certain information will hurt your claim? An attorney experienced in personal injury law will still know how to advocate for your best interests.
5. Discussing Your Case on Social Media
In today’s digital age, it is tempting to share every aspect of our lives online. However, when it comes to legal matters, caution should be exercised. Posting about your case on social media can jeopardize your case.
The insurance company and opposing counsel may monitor your social media accounts. They do this to find any information that could devalue personal injury claims. Even seemingly innocent posts or comments can be used to undermine your claim.
6. Not Seeking Medical Attention
Seeking proper medical attention creates a record of your injuries and the treatment you received. This documentation helps build a personal injury case and seek compensation for damages.
Insurance companies may argue that your injuries aren’t as severe as claimed since you didn’t seek treatment. So don’t give them any opportunity to downplay the extent of your injuries or undermine your claim, but see a doctor right away.
7. Not Keeping Medical Appointments
Attending regular medical appointments is crucial for documenting and treating your injuries. What’s more, it provides evidence of the extent of your injuries and their impact on your daily life.
By failing to keep these appointments, you risk weakening the strength of your case or reducing your settlement. Gaps in treatment due to missed appointments may be used against you during settlement negotiations.
What if, for some reason, an appointment needs to be rescheduled or canceled? Make sure to inform your personal injury lawyer as fast as possible.
8. Not Keeping Proper Documentation
One common mistake people make is not documenting information related to their injuries. Documentation, though, can be very important, even being used to substantiate your personal injury claim and determine your total compensation.
Track your medical reports and information about your treatment plan. Be sure to record additional expenses incurred due to the accident. These include transportation costs to appointments and home modifications for your injuries.
9. Missing Deadlines and Not Filing Within the Statute of Limitations
One crucial mistake people make when working with an attorney is missing important deadlines. Additionally, failing to file before the statute of limitations expires can hurt your personal injury case. If you miss this date, your case may be dismissed, and you could lose out on any opportunity for financial compensation.
To avoid this, you must act fast. Hiring a personal injury lawyer to file your personal injury claim or lawsuit will help you keep up on important dates and timelines.
Fast and Efficient Lawyers Ready to Fight for You
Knowledge of which mistakes to avoid can increase your chances of obtaining fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, and other damages resulting from an accident or negligence.
At Gould Injury Law, we understand that injuries can lead to financial strain, medical bills piling up, and emotional distress. That’s why we have earned a reputation for being fast-working lawyers who don’t waste any time when it comes to advocating for our clients.
Our personal injury lawyers act fast on your behalf. We know that every minute counts when seeking justice and financial compensation. Contact Gould Injury Law at 888-WIN-FAST today or complete our online form to consult an attorney.