From the large urban areas of the twin cities to the small towns of rural Minnesota, from the lakes to the farms, from the Northwoods to the bluffs in southeast Minnesota, accidents can happen anytime and anywhere in Minnesota. If you’ve been injured in Minnesota, you’ll want to take the necessary steps to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Personal injury cases can be complex, and even minor mistakes in your case can affect how much can and will recover. To ensure your case runs smoothly, we’ve compiled a list of the top five mistakes to avoid in your Minnesota personal injury case.
You can also contact our Minnesota personal injury lawyer at Nelson Personal Injury, LLC, to schedule a free consultation to discuss your claim.
What to Avoid After Experiencing a Personal Injury
Being injured in an accident can be a traumatic and life-changing event. However, in the aftermath, it’s crucial to avoid certain actions and behaviors that can negatively impact your ability to receive compensation for your injuries.
Failing to Seek Medical Attention
It’s crucial to seek appropriate medical attention immediately following an injury. Even if you don’t feel pain right away, you should still get checked out. Not only is it important for your health and well-being, but also your case. Delaying medical attention can lead to the opposing side arguing that your injuries aren’t as serious as you claim. Many insurance companies interpret lack of treatment as meaning you are not injured. If you have been injured in a car accident in Minnesota, you will have a no-fault claim that will typically provide $20,000 in medical expense benefits. If you have been injured on someone else’s property, such as in a slip and fall or trip and fall, it is likely that there may be a certain amount in medical payment coverage available to help pay for your bills as well. Seeing a medical professional will also document your injuries, which can be used as evidence in your case.
Not Contacting a Minnesota Injury Lawyer
Hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer is essential to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. It can be tempting to handle the case yourself, but the legal system can be complicated and confusing. An attorney can guide you through the process and provide legal expertise that can be critical to maximizing the value of your case. Your lawyer will also build your case, and handle negotiations with insurance companies and other parties, which can be daunting for someone without legal experience. If necessary, your personal injury attorney will start a lawsuit and handle your case all the way through trial..
Sharing Too Much Information on Social Media
Social media is now a part of everyday life, but when you’re involved in a personal injury case, you must be cautious about what you post. Insurance companies and opposing attorneys will scour social media accounts for any information that can be used against you. Even seemingly innocent posts can be misconstrued and used as evidence to undermine your case. It’s best to avoid posting about your case and to adjust your privacy settings to limit access to your account.
Accepting a Quick Settlement Offer
Insurance companies are known for offering quick settlements to minimize their payouts. They don’t do this because it is in YOUR best interests, they do it because it is in THEIR best interests. While accepting a settlement offer early on may seem like a good idea at the time, it’s important to consider the long-term implications of doing so. Once you settle your case, there is no going back to try to recover more money, even if your injuries worsen. That is why you want to make sure you understand the full nature and extent of your injuries, and what your damages are, before engaging in any settlement discussions with the insurance company. An experienced personal injury lawyer can evaluate your case and determine if a settlement offer is fair. They can also negotiate to ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible.
Failing to Document Evidence
Documentation is key in a personal injury case. It’s crucial to gather evidence as soon as possible after an accident. This includes taking photographs of the accident scene, collecting witness information, and keeping a record of any medical treatment received. Documentation can provide valuable evidence to support your case and can be used to negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company. It’s also important to record any out-of-pocket expenses you have incurred as a result of the accident, such as medical bills or lost wages.
Steps to Take After Sustaining a Personal Injury
Now that you know what to avoid after being involved in an accident or sustaining a personal injury, it is important to learn what you should do.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
The first and most important step to take after being involved in an accident is to seek medical attention. Even if you don’t feel any symptoms immediately, some injuries may not be felt until your adrenaline wears off. A medical professional will be able to evaluate your injuries and provide you with the necessary treatment. They will also document your injuries, which can be used as evidence in your case if you decide to pursue legal action.
Report the Incident
It’s essential to report the incident to the appropriate authorities, whether it’s your employer, the property owner, or law enforcement. This will create an official incident record, which will cover what happened and contain contact information of involved parties and witnesses. All of this information will be crucial in building your case.
Document the Incident
Documenting the incident is critical to ensure you have evidence to support your case. Take photos of the accident scene and surrounding area, and of any visible injuries you may have.,. If there were witnesses to the incident, gather their contact information. Record any expenses related to the incident, such as medical bills or lost wages. This documentation can be used to build your case and negotiate a fair settlement.
Consult with a Personal Injury Lawyer
Consulting with a personal injury lawyer is essential to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. An experienced lawyer can evaluate your case and provide legal advice and guidance. They will build your case, handle all communications and negotiations with insurance companies and other parties on your behalf. A personal injury lawyer will also insure that all deadlines, such as statute of limitations and the time limit to file a claim, are met.
Be Careful When Talking to Insurance Companies
Insurance companies are known for offering low settlements early on before you know the full nature and extent of your injuries. Be careful when talking to insurance companies, and do not provide any recorded statements or sign any documents without first consulting with your lawyer. Insurance adjusters may use any information they gather from you against you to minimize how much they will need to pay to you later on.
Follow Your Doctor’s Recommendations
Following your doctor’s recommendations and attending all necessary appointments is essential to not only your health but also to building your case. This includes physical therapy, imaging, follow-up appointments, and any other treatment your doctor recommends. Failing to follow your doctor’s orders can be used against you by the opposing party to claim that your injuries are not as severe as you claim, or that you did not take the proper steps to mitigate your damages.
Keep Records of Everything
Keep records of everything related to your injury, including correspondence or documents from the insurance companies, accident reports, medical bills, lost wages, and any other expenses related to the accident and injury. This documentation can be used to build your case and negotiate a fair settlement.
Sustaining a personal injury can be a traumatic experience, but taking the proper steps can ensure your health and well-being, as well as your ability to receive fair compensation.
Contact Our Minnesota Personal Injury Lawyer for Assistance
Navigating a personal injury case can be overwhelming, but avoiding these five common mistakes can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
By working with a skilled attorney, you can rest assured that your case is in capable hands and you’ll receive the compensation you deserve.
At Nelson Personal Injury, LLC, we are ready to help you receive full compensation for the personal injury you sustained due to someone else’s negligence or fault.
