If you were injured as the result of someone else's negligence, you have specific rights to compensation. As soon as the responsible party's insurance company finds out about your injuries, an adjuster and/or an investigator will contact you under the guise of investigating the claim. In reality, the adjuster's and/or investigator's sole purpose is to obtain information that can be used to deny liability, minimize your injury, and/or damages. That is the job description of the insurance adjuster and investigator.
The following is a partial list of the common mistakes you should avoid to increase your chances of obtaining a fair and complete settlement or recovery:
1. Not seeking legal representation until long after the accident or completion of medical treatment.
2. Communication with the responsible party's insurance company without an attorney.
3. Failure to photograph or otherwise protect evidence that tends to spoil with time. For example, photograph visible signs of injuries that will heal (cuts, lacerations, bruises, surgical scars, etc. that all fade or disappear with the passage of time.) Photograph the damage to your vehicle or other personal property. Save the footwear worn at the time of a fall in a sealed plastic bag.
4. Delay in seeking medical consultation and proper treatment of your injuries. Do not delay or refrain from getting medical treatment due to the cost of treatment. Injury victims are entitled to payment of their medical treatment for their injuries. The Law Office of Jeffrey S. Dawson may be able to assist you with finding a good doctor and/or therapy center who will provide treatment on a lien basis. Failure to get prompt and proper medical treatment is bad for your health and bad for your case.
5. Discussions with any insurance company representative regarding settlement of any property damage or bodily injury claim without consulting a personal injury attorney. You may obtain a free legal consultation to give you some guidance as to what you are entitled to recover and whether or not you wish retain legal representation.
