Personal Injury is a type of claim or compensation you can receive due to injuries from an accident that was someone else’s fault. The injuries or hurt can be emotional, physical, psychological, or anything that shows that you have been harmed due to the accident.

Although the claim might be straightforward, there are a lot of common mistakes that could be made. Read through this list, so you don’t get caught up in the storm.

Handling The Claim Without A Lawyer

If you are claiming through an insurance company, you may notice that they’re directing you to avoid lawyers. They might suggest that lawyers will complicate the issue, and your case is rather simple so doesn’t need the hassle.

However, in this case, the insurance companies are often trying to get the best and quickest deal for the company's reputation. Without a lawyer, you could be missing out on thousands of dollars.

Hiring a local lawyer, like Crantford Meehan in Charleston, can help you find a realistic outcome from someone who wants the best outcome for you.

Thinking A Question Is Stupid

When you start the claiming process, you will come across confusing statements and head-scratching forms. The adverts might suggest that claiming is easy, but you are bound to have questions. To make sure you get the most out of your lawyers and the claim, ask all the questions you need to.

It’s not like you’re a lawyer yourself, so of course, you are going to be confused about some parts of the process. Understanding what's going on is the lawyer's job, and if you have concerns, are confused, or worried about misunderstanding something, then ask your lawyer.

To get the most out of the claim, you need to make sure every question is answered.

Assuming A Compensation Claim Will Be Easy

Some claims are easier than others, sure. But there is more to the process than filling out a form and waiting for the money to arrive.

Normally there is a level of complexity that the lawyers have to navigate through. Both sides have to bring evidence to the table, to back up their claim. If the incident happened in the middle of nowhere, with no cameras and no bystanders, leaving the evidence to “he said, she said”, then the battle will be hard.

Failing To Find Or Keep Evidence

Without evidence, you will not receive the true value of your claim. You might not get a single penny. Just as any large court case needs the facts to understand the situation, you need to provide evidence too.

If you take photos and videos at the time of the incident, this can make up for the lack of evidence during the event. Say you fall down the stairs - take your phone out and photograph your injury, the location of the fall, and what made you slip. You can even photograph the changes in your injury as time goes on.

You should also document how the injury has disrupted your life. Following the “fall” example, you should video how walking upstairs has become difficult for you.

This is evidence of location, and ongoing injuries.

Assuming Your Lawyer Is Only Working On Your Case

Your lawyer  might make a mistake. Perhaps they used the wrong name, mentioned an irrelevant fact, or forgot a detail that you thought was important. In these instances, it’s important to remember that your lawyer is human.

Although you don’t want them to make any mistakes at all, catching one for them can help you secure your case. Work as a team with your lawyer, and correct them if you need to. They will tell you if that information wasn’t needed or if they have a plan for the case’s progression. But it is always better to be safe and not sorry.

Settling A Claim Without Medical Evidence

Again, this is another issue often created by insurance companies. Sometimes these businesses will settle your claim hoping for a quick turnaround rather than the biggest payout. However, if you don’t show your medical evidence, you could be missing out on a bigger compensation.

Medical evidence can scientifically prove how much you have been hurt from the incident. It is harder to dismiss and can show the likelihood of lingering injuries.

Summary

Understanding all of these potential issues can help you avoid them in your claim. Note every piece of evidence that you can find, show them to your lawyer and have them explain the plan to you. Ask as many questions as you need, but be prepared for a long journey.