It is common for individuals to make mistakes in legal cases, especially if they lack experience in the legal system. However, even simple errors can have serious consequences and prevent you from collecting compensation after an injury. Often, people do not realize they made a mistake until it is too late.
At Dominguez Law, we are here to help injury victims avoid missteps and secure the compensation they need. Our compassionate and aggressive team will work with you to provide all the necessary steps to take in order to maximize your compensation and protect your rights.
6 Common Missteps That Can Harm Your Personal Injury Claim
There are many potential missteps you can make during the legal process that may hurt your chances for a claim, such as:
Failing to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Delaying medical care after an injury can harm both your health and your legal case. Medical records provide evidence that connects the incident to your injuries, and waiting too long to see a doctor can make injuries worse and create doubt about their severity.
In addition, waiting to seek medical attention makes injuries look less severe on paper. The other party can argue that your injuries were not that bad since you did not need to go get help immediately. Do not risk your health or give the other party an argument to use against you by waiting to seek medical attention.
Not Documenting the Incident Properly
Strong evidence supports a personal injury claim. Failing to gather details about the incident weakens your case. Photographs, witness statements, and police reports help establish fault and prove the extent of injuries. Without proper documentation, insurance companies and opposing parties may challenge your claims.
Providing Inaccurate or Incomplete Information
Inaccurate or incomplete information can create problems during the claims process. Being completely honest, accurate, and forthcoming with your lawyer can prevent many of the potential problems in a case by giving them all of the right information and minimizing the chances of being surprised in court.
Insurance companies and legal representatives scrutinize every detail, from initial reports to recorded statements. Accurate and consistent statements strengthen your case and prevent unnecessary complications.
Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without Legal Advice
Insurance companies are not on your side when it comes to an accident and filing claims. Insurance adjusters focus on minimizing payouts, and speaking to them without legal guidance can put your claim at risk. Any statements made without proper legal advice may be used to reduce or deny compensation.
Before speaking with an insurance adjuster, the first thing you should do is contact a lawyer. An attorney ensures that insurance companies do not take advantage of you.
Ignoring Your Doctor’s Treatment Plan
Following medical advice supports both recovery and legal claims. Skipping appointments, stopping treatment early, or disregarding doctor recommendations can weaken a case. Compliance with medical care demonstrates the seriousness of your injuries and strengthens your claim.
Accepting a Settlement Too Quickly
Quick settlements often benefit insurance companies more than injury victims, as initial offers rarely cover all medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Accepting a settlement without legal review can leave you responsible for future costs. A thorough evaluation ensures that the settlement reflects the true extent of your losses.
Reach Out to Dominguez Law Today
Handling a personal injury claim without legal support increases the risk of mistakes. Without an attorney, many people accept lower settlements or lose their cases entirely.
Legal representation protects your rights and improves your chances of securing fair compensation. Work with Dominguez Law to avoid costly errors and ensure fair treatment throughout the legal process. Call Dominguez Law at (505) 850-5854 or fill out our contact form. Our compassionate and aggressive lawyers are on your side.
