What Mistakes Can Jeopardize a Personal Injury Claim and How Can You Avoid Making Them?

 Posted on February 28, 2023 in Personal Injury

Personal injuries can befall us at any time for various reasons. Personal injury law aims to provide a way for injured individuals to seek compensation for their losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Unfortunately, when filing a personal injury claim, certain mistakes can be made that can significantly jeopardize the success of your claim. Today, we will discuss some of those mistakes when filing a claim and how to avoid making them. Strongly consider contacting a personal injury attorney if you have suffered an injury to help ensure your rights are protected and advocated for.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Making Them

Several mistakes can jeopardize a personal injury claim. Here are some of the most common ones, including:

Failing to seek medical attention – If you have been injured, it is essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Failing to do so can make it difficult to prove the extent of your injuries, and insurance companies may use this against you. Also, keep in mind that some injuries may not manifest themselves right away. Even if you do not think your injury is overly serious, still seek medical treatment.

• Waiting too long to file a claim – The statute of limitations in Colorado for personal injury claims is two years. If you wait too long, you may lose your right to pursue compensation.
• Failing to gather evidence – It is important to collect as much information as possible to support your claim. This may include taking pictures of the accident scene, collecting relevant witness statements, and medical records.
• Posting on social media – Insurance companies may monitor your social media accounts for evidence to use against you. Avoid posting anything on social media that may contradict your claim.
• Admitting fault – Even if you think you may have contributed to the accident, it is crucial that you do not admit fault. If you admit fault, it may be used against you when seeking compensation.
• Signing a settlement agreement too soon – Insurance companies may offer a settlement soon after an accident. However, consulting with an attorney before you sign anything is important. Signing an agreement too quickly may result in less compensation than you would have received.

Contact a Fort Collins Personal Injury Attorney

To avoid making a costly mistake with your claim, we strongly advise you to seek the legal guidance of a qualified personal injury attorney. Contact the knowledgeable Larimer County personal injury lawyers with Hoggatt Law Office, P.C. for highly competent legal representation. Call 970-225-2190 for a free consultation.

Source: https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb21-1300