Mistakes to Avoid When Pursuing a Bodily Injury Claim Against a Car Insurance Policy

As you shake off the unsettling atmosphere of your collision, you’re left wondering how you’ll deal with the fallout. The first thing on your priority list is probably figuring out how to pay for the costs associated with your injuries. Your best chance at obtaining compensation for your injuries may be to file a bodily injury claim against the at-fault driver’s car insurance policy. 

In many cases, filing a claim may seem straightforward, but there are certain mistakes you want to avoid to ensure you can secure a fair settlement offer. Car insurance isn’t just there to protect the driver. It should also protect accident victims, allowing them to receive compensation for injuries that aren’t their fault. By retaining the services of a car accident lawyer, you may improve your odds of securing a fair settlement from a bodily injury claim.

What Not to Do When Filing a Bodily Injury Claim

Numerous resources explain every step you should take when you’re injured in a car accident. However, knowing what not to do can be just as important as knowing what you should do. Making these decisions could make it harder for you to obtain compensation or negatively impact the amount of compensation you’re eligible to receive.

Accepting a Final Settlement Before Knowing the Extent of Your Injuries

Even if you aren’t experiencing symptoms, your car accident injuries are probably more severe than they appear and may not have fully manifested yet. Most insurance providers hurry to offer victims quick compensation as soon as the accident occurs to protect themselves from future expenses related to your accident injuries. If you verbally consent to this quick offer, you are stuck with a settlement that most likely won’t be enough in the long term. 

Missing Doctor’s Appointments and Not  Finishing Your Treatment

Since many people underestimate their injuries after a car accident, they also tend to miss doctor’s appointments. Going to your doctor once or twice isn’t enough to cement how severely you have been injured. 

Skipping a scheduled doctor’s appointment or ending treatment early may be used against you as evidence that you are not as injured as you say. After a car accident, you should attend all your doctor’s appointments and complete any recommended treatments. 

Not Seeking Medical Attention Immediately After Your Accident

Not seeking medical attention immediately after your accident may give the impression that you aren’t seriously injured. It also makes it more challenging to link your injuries to your accident. The insurance company will use the gap as evidence against you to show that you are not actually hurt.

After a collision, shock and confusion may sometimes lead someone to underestimate their injuries, but delaying medical care prevents you from receiving vital care and may undermine your ability to file a bodily injury claim. Seeing a doctor and getting medical evaluations on record as soon as possible is the best way to uncover and legitimize your injuries.

Posting on Social Media After Your Accident

The primary concern with posting on social media after your accident is that you may post something that appears to undermine your injuries. These days, insurance companies won’t think twice about searching for you on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to scour your post history for evidence. You could be held accountable for any comments you post about the accident or images of you engaging in activities after the accident.

Start the Legal Process Quickly With Help From Dale R. Rose

Not only are car accidents frightening, but they are also stressful. You should be allowed to take the time you need to recover from your injuries following your accident without fearing that you’ll make an impactful mistake. However, you must also begin your legal representation as soon as possible. Consider enlisting the services of an experienced Texas car accident attorney to provide you with valuable legal counsel.

An accomplished lawyer at Dale R. Rose, PLLC is committed to assisting clients throughout North Texas. He has helped resolve Texas auto accident lawsuits since 1992 and won large settlements for his clients. You can rely on Attorney Dale R. Rose to provide valuable legal counsel, help you pursue a bodily injury claim, and assist you in dealing with the insurance companies. To set up a free consultation, call (972) 634-7673 or use our contact form.