What you do in the days, weeks, and months following an accident can have a significant impact on whether or not you receive the financial compensation to which you are entitled. It’s essential to gather accurate information as soon as possible, as personal injury cases rely on timely and unambiguous evidence. You must also take care to avoid common errors that could undermine your claim.
Even a small mistake can cause big problems. It could lead to your case being thrown out or reduce the amount of money you receive. That’s why it’s important to work with an experienced personal injury lawyer who can guide you, help build a strong case, and improve your chances of getting the best result.
What Not to Do After an Accident in Chicago
Over the years, our Chicago personal injury lawyers have helped many people with personal injury cases. We know what works and how to get the best results. We also make sure you avoid common mistakes that could weaken your claim or reduce your compensation.
After a Chicago personal injury accident, you should never:
Postpone Medical Attention
Even if you think your injuries are small, you need to see a doctor right away. Your medical records are a major part of your case. Some injuries don’t show up until later, so it’s essential to have everything documented, both the problems you notice right away and anything that develops in the days or weeks following the incident.
Apologize or Admit Fault
It’s best not to talk about the accident until you speak with your lawyer. If you apologize or say anything that sounds like you caused the accident, it can (and absolutely will) be used against you later. Stick to basic facts and keep conversations to a minimum until you have legal advice.
Post on Your Socials
Anyone with a personal injury claim needs to understand that social media can hurt their case. Avoid discussing the accident or your claim on the internet. Additionally, refrain from sharing images or updates about activities that could minimize the severity of your injuries. Social media posts may be used by insurance adjusters to reduce your settlement.
Delay Filing Your Claim
It bears mentioning that you have a very limited amount of time to file your Chicago personal injury claim. If you muck about, you could lose your right to compensation. Filing quickly will make it easier to gather strong evidence. The longer you wait, the harder it will become to find proof that shows you deserve the largest possible settlement.
Talk to an Insurance Adjuster
Even though you will need to talk with the insurance company at some point, don’t do it before speaking with your lawyer. You need legal advice first. Insurance adjusters want to pay as little as possible, and they may try to use your words against you. A lawyer can help you avoid saying anything that might hurt your claim.
Forget to Document the Accident Scene
If you can do so safely, gather as much information as you can while you’re at the scene. Take videos and pictures. Write down the contact details of anyone who witnesses the incident. If your injuries are too severe, ask someone else to help you. Evidence gathered directly from the scene will be essential when it comes time to negotiate your settlement.
Accept the First Settlement Offer
We get it; you have a stack of unpaid bills that’s taller than you are, and the only thing you want out of life right now is for your case to be over. Despite this, it is almost always ill-advised to accept the first settlement offer. It’s usually much lower than what you should get. Once you agree and sign, you can’t go back and ask for more. Once you understand the long-term cost of your injuries to the full, your lawyer can then begin negotiations to help you get the highest amount of financial compensation possible.
Not Hire a Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer
It is important to remember that the insurance adjuster is not the least bit concerned about you. He’s concerned about his employer’s bottom line. That friendly, reassuring demeanor is actually a massive red flag that just means he’s good at his job. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is trying to handle a personal injury claim without the help of an experienced lawyer, who can build the strongest case possible on your behalf.
Fabbrini Law Group
You only get one chance at a fair settlement. That’s why it’s so important to build a strong case and to partner with a Chicago personal injury lawyer who isn’t afraid to speak up for you. Our goal is to show how serious your injuries are and how the accident has affected your life.
If you have questions about what to avoid during your claim, Fabbrini Law Group can help. If you’re unsure whether or not you even need a lawyer, we encourage you to schedule a confidential consultation by calling us at (312) 494-3131 or reaching out via our online form.