Common Mistakes in a Georgia Personal Injury Claim

If you've sustained significant injuries in an accident that wasn't your fault, the aftermath can be both overwhelming and bewildering. These injuries could result from various types of accidents. In Georgia, motor vehicle collisions rank as the primary cause of injury-related fatalities and the second leading cause of emergency room visits and hospitalizations.

Navigating through this situation, you might be uncertain about the next steps and concerned about when life will regain a sense of normalcy. This concern is heightened, especially if your injury has led to the loss of a job or income.

Below are here are four mistakes to avoid while you’re healing from your injuries and/or preparing to file an insurance claim or lawsuit.

1. Waiting too long to seek medical treatment

Following an accident, obtaining timely medical care is of utmost importance. Only a doctor can assess and diagnose your injuries, a crucial step for both your healing process and potential personal injury case. Acting promptly is not only essential for your recovery but also plays a pivotal role in supporting your legal claim.

Delaying medical attention might create the impression that you were not injured or that your injuries were not significant. It could be argued that you were well enough to carry on with your life without seeking medical advice. Compliance with your doctor's treatment and recovery instructions is a factor scrutinized in personal injury cases. Failing to consult a doctor promptly will likely harm your chances of a full recovery from the insurance company.

2.  Lack of documentation

Upon consulting a doctor post-accident, you initiate the documentation process for your case. Your medical records play a crucial role in establishing a link between the accident and your resulting injuries. Beyond medical documentation, various other forms of evidence contribute to building a comprehensive case.

Depending on the nature of the incident, these documents may encompass a police report, photographs from the accident scene, available dashcam footage, and statements from eyewitnesses. An investigation is conducted to discern the circumstances surrounding the accident. The more thorough the documentation, the more effectively it constructs a narrative demonstrating that you were a victim of someone else's negligence.

Insufficient or lacking documentation makes it considerably challenging to build a robust case on your behalf. To gather compelling evidence, ensure the prompt involvement of the police in motor vehicle accidents, capture photos or videos, and secure eyewitness statements. Additionally, retain copies of receipts for any expenses related to the accident.

3.  Giving a recorded statement

Following an accident, it's possible that an insurance company will reach out to you, often seeking a phone conversation. These companies are notorious for employing deceptive strategies to exploit individuals unfamiliar with the compensation process after an accident.

One such tactic involves requesting your consent for a recorded statement. The adjuster might attempt to lead you into making statements that could imply fault on your part for the accident. When contacted by the adjuster, it is advisable to direct them to your attorney. Refrain from engaging in conversation until you have sought legal advice.

4.  Not hiring an experienced lawyer

The process of seeking compensation after an accident is intricate, and while it might appear cost-effective to handle it independently, the opposite is often true. It is crucial to have a lawyer with a proven track record of successfully representing numerous personal injury clients.

An experienced attorney can manage your entire case, taking care of interactions with insurance companies and negotiating settlements. Although the majority of cases are resolved without going to court, in the event of unsuccessful negotiations, you require a lawyer capable of constructing a compelling case to advocate for your justice in the courtroom.

If you have been injured, call our experienced lawyers today at 770-214-2500 for a free consultation.