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ChatDid you know that even if you have a strong personal injury case, your actions after the accident could seriously devalue your claim? As personal injury attorneys serving our Rhode Island and Massachusetts communities, we often see victims jeopardizing personal injury cases.
Take the following scenario for example: Let’s say that you are a victim in a rear-end car accident. The careless driver that hit your vehicle was on their phone during the accident, and a witness even stopped to report the person’s distracted driving. You suffer lower back pain as a result of the impact, but you are certain that the distracted driver’s car insurance will cover your medical treatment. However, before settlement, you chat with the at-fault driver’s insurance company and indicate that you’re “feeling okay” after the accident. You even post a picture of your family ski trip shortly after the accident as well.
In this example, you’ve likely jeopardized the value of your personal injury claim. How? The insurance company now has documented evidence of your “healed” status, and per social media, you’re seemingly enjoying life. While this doesn’t truly represent the full picture of your situation, you’ve likely decreased your potential settlement offers.
At Bottaro Injury Lawyers, we advise our clients on how to prevent jeopardizing personal injury cases. For more information about how we can help you navigate your personal injury case, call us.
To help prevent injured victims from jeopardizing personal injury cases, this blog article highlights the top 5 common post-accident mistakes we see victims make time and time again. Read on to learn how to avoid making these mistakes and how we may be able to help you navigate your personal injury claim!
Mistake 1: Failing to Collect Evidence
Immediately after your accident (once you are safe!), it is important to document your surroundings. This includes taking pictures of the scene, collecting any witness contact information, and seeking a medical evaluation. These pieces of information help attorneys, like us, build a stronger case on your behalf.
Mistake 2: Giving a Recorded Statement to an Insurance Adjustor
We often hear of personal injury victims speaking to insurance adjustors without legal representation. While you might feel like this is a good idea (after all, you’re just trying to clear your name!), it generally isn’t. Insurance adjustors are trained to purposely ask confusing questions to trick you into making conflicting statements.
Personal injury victims are also prone to downplay their injuries. Saying things like “I’m fine” or “I’m feeling better” only gives the insurance company more reason to reject fair settlement offers.
At Bottaro Injury Lawyers, we handle all communications about our clients’ cases. Meaning, we communicate with insurance adjustors on our clients’ behalf regularly. Are you getting repeated phone calls from an insurance company asking about your recent car accident injuries? Call us to discuss your next steps.
Mistake 3: Ignore Doctor’s Orders or Fail to Seek Medical Assistance
Victims often fail to seek immediate medical attention or fail to attend follow-up appointments. Not only can this be detrimental to your health and recovery journey, but it makes it harder to value your case. Insurance companies will use the gaps in your medical journey to devalue your case. Who is to say you didn’t injure yourself further during the 3 months you failed to attend physical therapy? While we know that life gets busy, it is important to prioritize your health after a personal injury accident.
Mistake 4: Posting on Social Media During the Litigation Process
Believe it or not, insurance companies often dedicate time and resources to investigating car accident victims. Investigators will spend time looking at claimants’ social media profiles – Instagram, Facebook, X, etc. While most victims do not do anything “wrong” after sustaining injuries, insurance companies are on the lookout for any “evidence” that indicates you are not injured or as injured as you claim to be.
In general, we at Bottaro Injury Lawyers recommend refraining from posting about your personal injury accident, commenting or engaging in discussion about your accident on other people’s posts, and any communications you have with your lawyer. Questions about this? Call us!
That family ski trip photo you posted on Instagram? Consider it evidence that will be against you. Be extra mindful of your social media posts during the settlement and litigation process after a personal injury accident!
Mistake 5: Not Retaining a Personal Injury Attorney
Did you know that injured victims’ settlements are statistically three times higher when they retain skilled personal injury lawyers? This is because insurance companies are more likely to lowball you during the settlement process without representation. As attorneys with combined decades of experience in personal injury law, we know a bad offer when we see one. Not only that, but we are accustomed to handling every part of the process in a car accident claim and can take the hassle and confusion out of the equation for you. Be careful of jeopardizing personal injury cases. Instead, call us, 24/7, with any questions you have!
It’s Good to Know Mike Bottaro – 24/7 Top-Rated Personal Injury Help
At Bottaro Injury Lawyers, we care for people. Attorney Mike Bottaro and his award-winning legal team handle all types of personal injury cases throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts. We can even help on cases in other states as well. We pride ourselves on our honesty, integrity, and results. Contact us 24/7 in any method you prefer for a fast, free, and confidential consultation about your case. Text or call us at 401-777-7777, or fill out our free and confidential online form. We are here to serve and help you!
