When you are involved in an accident and injured due to somebody else’s negligence, you deserve to be compensated fairly so that you can focus on recovering from your injuries.
However, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has made this difficult for many people. Those who may be entitled to compensation may not be sure how to proceed with a personal injury lawsuit as they don’t want to take unnecessary risks during these times.
But you shouldn’t let the pandemic get in the way of your recovery. Let’s take a look at the most common mistakes you should avoid when filing a personal injury lawsuit during a pandemic.
Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit
Due to the extraordinary circumstances presented by a pandemic, personal injury victims may be susceptible to making certain mistakes when filing a personal injury lawsuit — leading to lower payouts than they deserve.
Make sure to avoid these common mistakes to increase your chances of achieving a favorable outcome from your personal injury case.
Delaying Medical Attention
Many people may be deterred from seeking medical attention during the pandemic, particularly if their injuries don’t seem to be severe. Many hospitals are overwhelmed by COVID-19 patients, which may discourage you from seeking the care that you need.
However, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention following an accident. Even if your injuries don’t appear to be serious, obtaining an official medical doctor’s report will be critical when it’s time to present evidence to support your case. Moreover, you may have suffered injuries that aren’t immediately apparent.
In any case, delaying a doctor’s visit after an accident can have a significant negative impact on the outcome of your lawsuit.
Waiting to File
You may be tempted to delay filing your lawsuit in the hopes that the pandemic will eventually clear up so that you can proceed without worrying about the pandemic. However, waiting too long can make it impossible to obtain the evidence needed to support your lawsuit.
Sharing Details Online
As many people continue to self-isolate as much as possible to avoid transmitting the virus, social media is one of the few ways people are able to maintain constant contact with friends and family.
As tempting as it may be to share your experience with others, it’s important to avoid putting any details about your case online. Social media posts may be used as evidence against you if they seemingly contradict any of your claims.
Quick Settlements
COVID-19 has caused many people to lose their jobs and income, and many insurance companies see this as an opportunity to convince people to accept quick settlements.
These settlements, however, are often much lower than what you deserve and could be obtained by an experienced personal injury attorney. To avoid being taken advantage of, make sure to let your attorney handle negotiations with the insurance company.
Representing Yourself
You may think you have all the evidence you need to support your personal injury lawsuit, and as such, you don’t need an attorney to represent you.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that the slightest misstep can result in you losing your lawsuit or receiving much less than you deserve. Experienced personal injury attorneys understand how to negotiate favorable settlements and build a strong case in the event that your lawsuit is taken to court.
Consult a Personal Injury Attorney
If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, don’t let the pandemic stop you from seeking the compensation you deserve.
Contact Vititoe Law Group today to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney and learn more about effectively filing a personal injury lawsuit during a pandemic.