Navigating a personal injury claim after an accident isn’t easy. The process can be confusing and complicated, making mistakes easy. Unfortunately, even common errors can diminish the value of your claim or, even worse, result in a denial.
Understanding the most common mistakes people make when handling an accident claim can put you in a better position to advocate for yourself. Working with an Iowa personal injury lawyer is a better way to avoid common pitfalls and ensure your claim has the best chance at earning you a favorable outcome.
Common Mistakes To Avoid When Filing an Iowa Personal Injury Claim
Working through the claim process following an accident can be intimidating. You may face questions from aggressive adjusters and find yourself struggling to recall the details of the traumatic event. However, even minor omissions, factual errors, or mistakes can jeopardize your claim and give an adjuster the excuse they need to undervalue or deny your claim.
Common mistakes that individuals run into when filing Iowa personal injury claims tend to include:
Not Seeking Medical Attention for Accident-Related Injuries – One of the most common mistakes accident victims make is not seeking immediate treatment for their accident-related injuries. Even minor injuries should be evaluated by a medical professional for your safety and to help you build a compelling claim. Medical records help substantiate the severity of your injuries. Without them, an insurance adjuster can suggest that you were not injured, your injuries must result from a pre-existing condition, or your injuries are not as significant as you claim.
Speaking Directly to Insurance Adjusters – Often, victims feel pressured to give an insurance adjuster a recorded statement after the accident. Making these statements is a mistake. Individuals should avoid speaking directly to an adjuster without legal counsel. Adjusters can use tactics to get you to downplay your injuries so they can undervalue your claim. If you are flustered or anxious, you may forget key details or misremember facts. Adjusters can use any omissions or errors to discredit or deny your claim.
Settling for an Initial Offer – Individuals may be financially unstable after an accident. Aggressive adjusters may use the injured person’s desperation to get them to agree to a lowball initial settlement offer. These offers are frequently made before a victim understands the full extent or long-term impact of their injuries.
Posting on Social Media – Accident victims should always avoid posting information about the accident or their injuries online. Adjusters can easily find social media posts and turn your words against you to jeopardize your claim. Even casual social media posts can be problematic. Enjoying a night at the fair or a day at the park and posting about it online can signal to an adjuster that your injuries are not as significant as you claim because you are happy or enjoying your free time.
Not Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney Immediately – Insurance carriers and courts have strict deadlines, and waiting too long to initiate a claim or seek legal representation can hurt your chances of recovering the money you deserve. Discuss your situation with an Iowa personal injury attorney as soon as possible to keep your options open and maximize your compensation.
Trust Our Team to Help You During this Challenging Time
One of the last mistakes people make when managing a personal injury claim is trusting that the insurance company has their best interests in mind. They don’t. At Loney & Schueller, LLC, we’ll advocate for you, standing up for your rights and fighting for the money you need to recover from your injuries.
Contact us online to set up a free initial consultation and learn more about how we may be able to help.
