How you handle your personal injury claim will determine the amount of compensation you receive at the end. Given that you may have suffered extensive damages from someone else’s negligence, it is advisable to ensure that the settlement you receive fully covers your losses, economic or otherwise.
With that in mind, here are some common mistakes you need to avoid.
Settling too early
If you settle your claim too early, you are likely to get a raw deal in the amount of compensation. You may not even be sure about the extent of your injuries. If your condition deteriorates, you may not get further compensation since settling means closing your personal injury case.
Admitting fault
Fault is a crucial factor in most personal injury claims because it may affect the amount of compensation you are due to receive. If you admit responsibility for your injuries and take liability off the other party, it is likely to slash the compensation due to you.
Waiting too long before settling your claim
While you should not settle your claim too soon, you should neither wait too long. Keep an eye out on the statute of limitations, the legal deadline beyond which you cannot file a personal injury lawsuit in court. It varies depending on the nature of your personal injury.
You may have to settle for the insurer’s offer if settlement negotiations drag on past the stipulated deadline since you cannot seek legal redress.
Protecting your claim
Other mistakes not listed here can jeopardize your claim and hurt your chances of getting enough compensation. Therefore, to avoid doubts about how you should proceed, it is advisable to be aware of the elements of personal injury laws that will affect your claim and how to be on the safe side.