5 Mistakes to Avoid – Tips From Our Las Cruces Personal Injury Lawyers

Personal injury claims can be complex and overwhelming, especially if you’re recovering from an injury and facing mounting medical bills. To maximize your chances of success, it’s crucial to avoid common mistakes that could jeopardize your claim. Here are the top 5 mistakes to avoid in personal injury claims.

1. Failing to Seek Medical Attention Promptly

Seeking immediate medical attention is paramount after an injury, not only for your health and well-being but also to establish a clear connection between the injury and the accident. Delaying or neglecting medical care can raise doubts about the severity of your injury and weaken your claim. 

2. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without Representation

Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, and their conversations with you are often recorded. Making statements without legal representation can be detrimental to your claim. They may misinterpret your words, use your statements against you, or rush you into a settlement that doesn’t reflect the full value of your damages.

3. Accepting an Early Settlement Offer

Insurance adjusters may offer an early settlement to resolve your claim quickly and cheaply. While the allure of a quick payout is understandable, accepting an early offer could mean leaving significant compensation on the table. Your injuries may have long-term consequences, and the initial settlement may not cover future medical expenses or lost wages.

4. Posting About Your Injury on Social Media

In today’s digital age, it’s easy to share details of your life and experiences on social media. However, doing so can be detrimental to your personal injury claim. Insurance companies and defense attorneys may monitor your social media activity, using any inconsistencies between your online posts and your injury claim to discredit your case. Our Las Cruces personal injury lawyers have seen people hurt their cases far too many times, don’t ruin your chances for fair compensation.

5. Missing Deadlines and Failing to Follow Procedures

Personal injury claims have strict deadlines and procedures, and missing these can have severe consequences. Failure to file a claim within the statute of limitations or to comply with court orders can result in your claim being dismissed.

How to Navigate Conversations with Insurance Adjusters

If you must communicate with an insurance adjuster, follow these guidelines:

  1. Be polite but assertive: Maintain a professional demeanor but firmly assert your rights.
  2. Avoid admitting fault or making unnecessary statements: Stick to the facts about the accident and your injuries.
  3. Do not discuss the value of your claim: Leave negotiations to your attorney.
  4. End the conversation politely and promptly: If the adjuster presses you for information, politely decline and refer them to your attorney.

Legal Missteps that Could Harm Your Compensation Prospects

Apart from these common pitfalls, certain legal missteps can also harm your compensation prospects:

  1. Failing to hire an experienced personal injury attorney: Navigating the complexities of personal injury law is challenging without legal expertise. An experienced attorney can protect your rights, maximize your compensation, and guide you through the legal process.
  2. Making inconsistent statements: Inconsistency in your statements can undermine the credibility of your claim.
  3. Failing to provide proper documentation: Medical records, police reports, witness statements, and other relevant documentation are crucial for supporting your claim.
  4. Settling your claim without consulting an attorney: Settling a personal injury claim without legal counsel can leave you with significantly less compensation than you deserve.

Our Las Cruces Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help

Avoiding these common mistakes and seeking guidance from an experienced personal injury attorney are essential steps towards maximizing your compensation and achieving a favorable outcome in your claim. 

Contact The Law Offices of Kenneth G. Egan today or give us a call at (575) 523-2222 to get started with a free consultation. Let our personal injury attorneys help. We are located at 1111 Lohman Avenue, Las Cruces, NM, 88001 and are proud to service the surrounding areas, including Doña Ana, Santo Tomas, La Mesa, Fort Selden, Radium Springs, and beyond.