If you've been injured in an accident, the steps you take (or don’t take) can have a huge impact on your case. A strong claim can quickly unravel due to simple mistakes—ones that many people don’t realize they’re making until it’s too late.
To help you avoid those pitfalls, let’s go over the three biggest mistakes that could cost you fair compensation in a personal injury case.
1. Ignoring or Delaying Medical Treatment
One of the worst things you can do after an accident is to wait to see a doctor. Even if you don’t feel seriously injured right away, symptoms can take time to develop. Insurance companies look for gaps in treatment as a way to argue that your injuries aren’t as serious as you claim. If you don’t get checked out promptly, they may say your injuries came from something else—or that they weren’t bad enough to need care.
It’s not just about seeing a doctor once, either. Following your prescribed treatment plan is just as important. Skipping appointments or stopping treatment too soon can be used against you when it comes time to negotiate your claim.
How to protect yourself:
Get checked by a medical professional as soon as possible, even if you feel “fine.”
Follow all treatment recommendations, including physical therapy, follow-up visits, and medication.
Keep track of all your medical appointments, bills, and prescriptions.
2. Trying to Handle the Case on Your Own
Filing a personal injury claim might seem straightforward, but once the insurance company gets involved, things can get complicated fast. Adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, and without legal guidance, you could end up settling for far less than your case is worth—or worse, saying something that hurts your case.
It’s also easy to underestimate how much your injuries will cost in the long run. What seems like a fair settlement today might not cover future medical expenses or lost wages if your condition worsens. Having an experienced attorney can make all the difference in securing the compensation you truly deserve.
How to protect yourself:
Consult a personal injury lawyer early in the process to understand your rights.
Be cautious when speaking with insurance adjusters—don’t provide recorded statements without legal advice.
Stay mindful of deadlines, as missing them could mean losing your right to compensation.
3. Accepting a Quick Settlement Without Understanding Your Damages
When an insurance company makes an early settlement offer, it might be tempting to take it—especially if medical bills are piling up or you're missing work. But these quick settlements are often designed to close your case before you fully understand the long-term impact of your injuries.
Once you sign a settlement agreement, you can’t go back and ask for more money if new medical issues arise. Many people later realize they settled for far too little, only to be stuck covering ongoing costs out of their own pocket.
How to protect yourself:
Don’t rush into a settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries and future medical needs.
Review any settlement offer carefully with an attorney to ensure it covers all potential expenses.
Consider long-term costs like rehabilitation, lost earning potential, and pain and suffering.
Final Thoughts
A personal injury case isn’t just about proving someone else was at fault—it’s about making sure you get the full compensation you need to recover. Getting medical treatment quickly, seeking legal guidance, and being cautious with settlement offers can help you avoid major missteps.
CONTACT PHILLIPS & ASSOCIATES TODAY
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, contact Phillips & Associates at (818) 348-9515 for a free consultation today. You will immediately be put in touch with John Phillips or Patrick DiFilippo, who can help determine whether you have a case and advise you on the best course of action moving forward.
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