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Filing a personal injury claim is the beginning of a legal process that can be complicated and overwhelming for an injured accident victim in Connecticut. It is important to know what to do, what not to do and how to protect your rights during this type of lawsuit. One misstep could be enough to disqualify you from financial compensation. Avoid these seven common mistakes to improve your chances of success.
It can be easy to accidentally admit fault for an accident, especially in the immediate aftermath of a frightening event such as a car accident. It may be your first instinct to apologize to the other driver, for example. It is essential, however, not to admit fault or confess to causing an accident. This can automatically take away your ability to recover compensation from another party – even before an investigation is launched to determine fault for the incident.
Many accident victims believe that they do not need professional medical care, but this is a major mistake that can have financial and physical ramifications. It is important to seek professional medical attention without delay after any type of accident, including a car accident, truck accident, bicycle accident, or boating accident. Failing to go to a doctor or hospital can give an insurance company a reason to deny your claim or diminish your payout. Keep in mind that your adrenaline from the accident could be masking the symptoms of a catastrophic injury; get prompt medical care even if you aren’t in pain.
When dealing with an insurance company, one of the most important things to remember is that it is not on your side. The insurer wants to save as much money as possible on your payout. Keep this in mind when talking to an insurance claims adjuster and negotiating the value of your settlement. The insurer may try to offer less than you deserve or avoid paying you altogether. Do not agree to give an insurance company a recorded statement or accept the very first settlement offered.
If you are sent any paperwork by an insurance company, bring it to an attorney before giving your signature. This is especially true of any type of release form, such as a Medical Authorization Release or Liability Release. Medical forms may attempt to access your full medical history rather than only the records that are relevant to your case, to search for pre-existing injuries. A Liability Release Waiver means that you are releasing the defendant from any further legal responsibility for your injuries.
While you may be tempted to talk about your accident, injuries or personal injury claim on social media sites, refrain. Anything that you post on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or other social media profiles can be used as evidence against you. Even if something you post seems innocent, an insurance company can twist it around to paint you in a negative light as a plaintiff. The best way to protect your claim is by avoiding social media until your case has been concluded.
Always take legal action as soon as you can after an accident in Connecticut. There is a law known as a statute of limitations that gives you no more than two years from the date that your injury was sustained or discovered to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline almost always revokes a plaintiff’s ability to recover financial compensation.
Many personal injury cases in Connecticut do not require lawyers. If you encounter any complications, however, such as serious injuries, the death of a loved one, a liability dispute or multiple defendants, hire an experienced personal injury lawyer. A lawyer can build the strongest and most compelling claim to damages on your behalf while also answering your legal questions and supporting you during a difficult time. Learn more about what to expect during a personal injury claim in Connecticut by calling Loughlin FitzGerald, P.C. at (203) 902-4504.