If you’ve been injured in an accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. However, filing a personal injury claim in Arizona can be complex, and there are many mistakes that you can make that can harm your case. In this article, we’ll explore some of the common mistakes to avoid when filing a personal injury claim in Arizona and provide insights from Schenk Podolsky Attorneys at Law.
Mistake #1: Failing To Seek Medical Treatment
The failure to obtain medical treatment after an accident is among the most serious errors that can be made. Even if you feel fine after the accident, you should still see a doctor to rule out any hidden injuries or underlying medical conditions. Delaying medical treatment can also harm your personal injury claim as it may be used as evidence that your injuries were not serious or were caused by something other than the accident.
According to Schenk Podolsky Attorneys at Law, “We recommend that our clients see a doctor as soon as possible after an accident, even if they don’t feel hurt. Seeking medical attention can help document your injuries and ensure that you get the treatment you need to recover fully.”
Mistake #2: Providing A Recorded Statement To Insurance Adjusters
Insurance adjusters may contact you soon after your accident and ask you to provide a recorded statement about the accident. However, it’s important to remember that the insurance company’s goal is to pay you as little as possible for your claim. Anything you say during a recorded statement can be used against you to minimize your settlement or deny your claim altogether.
The attorneys at Schenk Podolsky advise their clients to avoid providing a recorded statement without first consulting with a personal injury lawyer. “It’s best to let an attorney handle all communication with the insurance company. We can help protect your rights and ensure that your claim is not undervalued or denied.”
Mistake #3: Waiting Too Long To File A Claim
In Arizona, there is a statute of limitations for personal injury claims, which means you have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit after an accident. If you wait too long to submit a claim, you may forfeit your entire right to compensation.
Schenk Podolsky Attorneys at Law recommend that you contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after an accident. “We can help you understand your rights and ensure that your claim is filed within the statute of limitations. Waiting too long can be detrimental to your case, so it’s important to act quickly.”
Mistake #4: Posting About Your Accident On Social Media
Social media has become a big part of our lives, but when it comes to personal injury cases, it can be a dangerous place. Anything you post on social media, like vacation pictures or status updates, can be used as evidence against you.
The attorneys at Schenk Podolsky advise their clients to avoid posting anything about their accidents or injuries on social media. “Insurance companies and defense attorneys will scour social media looking for anything that can be used to discredit your claim. It’s best to avoid social media altogether until your case is resolved.”
Mistake #5: Settling Your Claim Too Quickly
After an accident, it can be enticing to accept an insurance company’s quick settlement offer. However, it’s important to remember that these initial settlement offers are often lowball offers designed to minimize the insurer’s payout.
The attorneys at Schenk Podolsky recommend that you never accept a settlement offer without first consulting with a personal injury lawyer. “We can help you understand the true value of your claim and negotiate with the insurance company to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages. Settling too quickly can leave you with insufficient compensation to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.”
Mistake #6: Not Hiring A Personal Injury Lawyer
Many people mistakenly believe that they can handle their personal injury claim on their own, without the help of a lawyer. However, navigating the legal system and negotiating with insurance companies can be incredibly complex and overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to recover from your injuries.
According to Schenk Podolsky Attorneys at Law, “Hiring a personal injury lawyer is one of the best decisions you can make after an accident. We can handle all aspects of your claim, from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies, so that you can focus on your recovery. We also have the legal knowledge and experience necessary to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your damages.”
