You already know that having a personal injury attorney to help you with your accident case is important, but did you know that you can play a vital part in this process? Your actions could make or break your chances for personal injury success, so read on to learn about the 4 mistakes that could prevent you from getting fairly compensated for your auto accident injuries.
1. Assuming that everyone knows how the accident has affected your life. No one but you really knows the extent that the car wreck has had on you and your family. Make sure that you clue in your attorney, the insurance company, and others about the effect of the accident by keeping a journal of your experiences. Begin to keep notes as soon as you are able; the information will come in handy when your attorney prepares your case, during the disposition, when creating a demand letter, and at trial. Your careful note-taking could increase your chances for a fair settlement to compensate you for your pain and suffering.
2. Being disorganized with your important documents. Make sure that you have a well-organized filing folder or case to keep the following:
- The accident or police report.
- Information about any traffic citations issued to the at-fault driver.
- Your auto insurance information.
Names and contact information for the other involved parties and any witnesses.
- Records of all medical treatments, including the cost (even if you are submitting the bills to the insurance company for payment).
- Proof of your salary, such as pay statements or income tax returns. You have the right to be reimbursed for any time off from your job related to the accident, including any sick or vacation time used.
3. Agreeing to give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance adjuster. You should understand that you are not required to provide a recorded statement to the other party, and that doing so could place your personal injury claim in extreme jeopardy. It's very easy to miss-speak, get a few details wrong, ramble on, accidentally agree that you were somewhat in the wrong, etc. when giving your statement. Your attorney should handle all communications from both your insurance company and the other driver's insurance company and their attorneys.
4. Taking too long to file suit against the other party. All states have a statute of limitations, which means that you have only a limited amount of time to file suit or you will be barred from doing so. Additionally, the sooner you seek compensation the easier it will be to locate and interview witnesses, gather important evidence and more.
These 4 mistakes are easily avoidable, so consult with a personal injury attorney, like one from Brownfield Law Office, today for more information on the vital role that you can play in your case.
