What you should NOT do in your personal injury case!

Things You Should Not Do if You’re Involved in a Personal Injury

If you’ve been involved in a personal injury incident, the steps you take immediately after can have a significant impact on your health, your recovery, and your potential legal case. At The Low Law Firm in Abilene, Texas, we’ve seen how critical it is to avoid certain mistakes that could jeopardize your ability to receive fair compensation. Here are some of the top things you should not do if you’re involved in a personal injury:

1. Don’t Leave the Scene

Staying at the scene until authorities arrive is crucial, especially if there are injuries or significant property damage. Leaving prematurely could lead to legal consequences and complicate any claims you might have.

2. Don’t Admit Fault

It’s natural to want to apologize or admit fault, but this can be detrimental to your case. Even if you believe you might be partially to blame, leave the determination of fault to the professionals. Anything you say can be used against you later.

3. Don’t Delay Medical Attention

Seeking immediate medical care is essential, even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Delaying treatment can worsen your condition and give insurance companies grounds to argue that your injuries weren’t caused by the accident.

4. Don’t Forget to Document Everything

Documentation is key to a successful personal injury claim. Take pictures of the scene, your injuries, and any property damage. Collect contact information from witnesses and keep a detailed record of everything related to the incident.

5. Don’t Give Recorded Statements Without Legal Advice

Insurance adjusters might contact you soon after the incident, asking for a recorded statement. Politely decline until you’ve consulted with a personal injury attorney. Anything you say could be used to minimize your claim.

6. Don’t Accept the First Settlement Offer

Insurance companies often offer quick, low settlements to close claims quickly. Accepting the first offer without consulting with an attorney could mean you receive far less than what your case is worth.

Tip: Most insurance adjusters are given a range of authority to settle car wreck claims and their first offer is almost NEVER the last!

7. Don’t Post About the Incident on Social Media

In today’s digital age, insurance companies and opposing parties often scrutinize social media accounts for evidence to use against you. Avoid posting anything related to the incident, your injuries, or your recovery.

8. Don’t Ignore Your Doctor’s Orders

Failing to follow medical advice can harm both your health and your legal case. Insurance companies may argue that your injuries aren’t as severe as claimed if you don’t adhere to prescribed treatments.  While there may be times when you do not agree with a determination by your doctor, ignoring them completely is a problem.  It is far better to get a second opinion that just make your own medical care determinations.

9. Don’t Sign Anything Without Consulting a Lawyer

You may be presented with documents by the other party’s insurance company or legal team. Never sign anything without having it reviewed by a personal injury attorney to ensure you’re not waiving important rights.

Tip: Most attorneys will do a free consultation or a low cost consultation to review documents and give you legal advice!

10. Don’t Attempt to Handle the Case on Your Own

Personal injury law is complex, and insurance companies have experienced professionals working to minimize payouts. Without a knowledgeable attorney on your side, you risk not getting the full compensation you deserve.

11. Don’t blow the Statute of Limitations

There are time limits that apply in personal injury cases.  Generally, in Texas, it is two years from the date the negligence occurs.  If you have not filed your lawsuit or settled your claim, you run the risk of your claim being forever barred.

Tip: Contact a lawyer in Abilene, Texas for a free consultation to make sure you know what your statute of limitations is!

12. Don’t make inconsistent statements

Throughout your case, there will be several opportunities to make statements about how you were injured, what was injured, how those injuries are affecting you, etc.  Be consistent every time you discuss these things.  Your doctor is taking notes, insurance adjusters are taking notes, defense lawyers are taking notes.  All of those statements can and will be reviewed for inconsistencies.  Be aware of this and don’t be inconsistent.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation 325-455-1889

If you or a loved one has been involved in a personal injury accident in Abilene, Texas, our experienced team is here to help. We understand the challenges you’re facing and are dedicated to fighting for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn about your legal options.  At The Low Law Firm, we will help you evaluate your case and provide assistance on any type of personal injury case, including oil rig accidents, truck wrecks, premises injuries, and construction accidents.

For more information about what NOT to do in your personal injury case, check out Tara Gilmore-Low’s podcast, The Injury Lady Says!

Remember: Protecting your rights begins with avoiding these common mistakes and getting the legal support you need.