Personal injury law covers numerous cases where someone else harms you through specific reckless actions. In such cases, you can get financial relief for your injuries. Yet, compensation isn’t automatic, and you must prove every allegation to get damages. Usually, this process is much easier when you hire the services of an experienced Atlanta personal injury lawyer.
However, as a claimant, you have a significant role to play in determining your case’s outcome. You can jeopardize your chances of success in an already strong case by specific mistakes and unnecessary actions. That means that right after an accident, you must be careful what you do before consulting a lawyer. If you take any ill-informed or spontaneous action, you may worsen your case and make it challenging for your attorney.
In this article, you’ll learn how to avoid the common mistakes personal injury claimants make. You’ll also learn how speaking with a qualified lawyer can make a difference in your case.
Essential Personal Injury Facts and Statistics
Personal injury cases usually result in severe injuries and death that warrant maximum compensation. The following are some vital personal injury facts that you must know:
- Unintentional injuries (car crashes, fall accidents, unintentional poisoning, etc.) are the leading causes of death for under 45s in America.
- As of 2019, falls were the leading causes of nonfatal preventable injuries in the United States.
- As of 2018, medical errors were the third leading cause of death in the USA.
- According to WHO, 1.3 million people die from auto accidents every year.
- According to the CDC, one pedestrian died every 88 minutes due to traffic crashes in the USA in 2017.
- About 4.5 million people sustain dog bite injuries every year in the USA.
Common Mistakes People Make After Personal Injury Accidents
The following mistakes can worsen your personal injury case in Georgia:
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Not Seeing a Doctor Immediately
Your health should always be a priority after a personal injury accident. Even if you don’t feel injuries or pain immediately, it’s still important to see a doctor after an accident. That’s because you may be in shock and only get to feel symptoms much later when it’s too late.
Again, you may sustain internal injuries that typically show no external symptoms. However, if your doctor eventually discovers significant wounds, your medical report can serve as evidence in your case.
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Failing to Call the Police
In certain accidents, like severe car collisions, you must call law enforcement to the crash site. Apart from being on the good side of the law, calling the police can also help to prove your case. With the police report, you can trace witnesses and get other information that may be useful for your claims.
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Neglecting to Preserve Evidence
Whether you’re in a slip and fall accident, car crash, or any other personal injury accident, it’s normal to be anxious. Regardless, you must never forget to gather as much evidence of the accident scene as you can. For example, in a slip and fall, you can take a picture of your injuries and the accident scene.
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Believing That Insurance Companies Are Your Allies
Insurance companies are responsible for paying your settlement sums. That, however, doesn’t mean that they’re on your side. On the contrary, they’re businesses trying to make a profit, and they will exploit any vulnerability in your case to their advantage.
Whatever you do, always remember that insurance companies are not your friends, even if they appear sympathetic towards your plight. So, don’t make any statement before speaking with your lawyer. Also, don’t be in a hurry and attempt to settle your claims too quickly.
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Failing to Consult an Experienced Lawyer
The earlier you call an experienced personal injury attorney, the less likely you will make damaging mistakes. Lawyers are the one piece of the puzzle that puts everything together. Therefore, always seek legal help immediately after your accident.
Speak With a Personal Injury Lawyer Immediately!
Certain mistakes can harm your injury case in Atlanta. So, it’s essential to keep calm after an accident and make only informed decisions about your case. Most of the time, consulting with an experienced attorney as soon as possible can keep you from making rash decisions.
If you’ve already made a mistake, our Atlanta personal injury lawyers at Calvin Smith Law can help you remedy them. We’ll assess your case and provide the best legal solutions for you. We are also with you every step of the way to ensure that you get the justice that you deserve. Call our law office to consult with our personal injury lawyers immediately.
