As the fourth-largest city in Texas, Austin attracts tourists with its year-round outdoor activities. People from all around the world plan their vacations to see springtime wildflowers in Austin. The roads in Austin are dangerous for pedestrians and motorists.
By choosing the best personal injury attorneys in Austin, you can proceed legally if you have suffered any injuries. However, there are a few things that could weaken your claim. You should avoid doing them after an accident.
In this article, we’ve discussed some of the most common mistakes that victims make and how to avoid them.
Not Getting Medical Care
After an accident, most victims make the mistake of not seeking medical attention. It is important to get medical attention for your injuries as soon as possible after an accident. Even if you think your injuries are minor or will recover on their own, you should still consult a healthcare professional immediately. Below are reasons why it is essential:
First, it is necessary to keep your health as your first priority. So, you can prevent your injuries from getting worse with proper diagnosis and treatment.
Second, your medical records are important evidence for your personal injury claim. Because they can prove the severity, extent, and cause of your injuries, as well as the expenses you incurred. Without medical records, it is difficult to prove your injuries and losses.
Apologizing or Admitting Fault
Apologizing or admitting fault is the worst mistake that you should avoid after an accident. This seems like a simple thing to do, but it can be used against you by the negligent party or their insurance firm. They will try to take them out of context or twist your words to show that you were wholly or partly liable for the accident. This can lower or reject your compensation.
Rather than agreeing to fault or apologizing, all you have to do is exchange contact and insurance information with the other party and report the accident to the police. Moreover, it is necessary to avoid giving any statements to the other party’s insurance provider without consulting an attorney first. They will try to get you to say something that can affect your claim.
Not Hiring an Attorney
Personal injury victims make a big mistake by not hiring an attorney. Few victims think that they can handle their personal injury claim on their own or that hiring an attorney is unnecessary or expensive. This is not right. By having a personal injury attorney on your side, you can see a great difference in your case, such as:
- Protecting your legal rights
- Investigating your accident
- Evaluating and proving your damages
- Dealing with the negligent party and their insurance firm
- Filing and litigating your claim in court if needed
Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means that they only get paid if they win or settle your case. So, you don’t have to pay anything upfront or out of your pocket. Therefore, hiring an attorney is beneficial as well as affordable.
Signing Anything Without an Attorney’s Advice
Sometimes, victims sign documents without consulting an attorney. These could be
- Medical releases
- Settlement agreements
- Liability release forms
- Other documents related to the accident
Signing these documents without an attorney can have severe complications. They include
- Giving up your right to pursue or sue for further compensation
- Giving up your privacy and allowing the negligent party to access your medical records
- Lose your right to any claims or defenses that you may have made
Before signing anything, it is important to consult a personal injury attorney who can check the documents and explain their implications.
Final Thoughts
We hope our article has helped you in some way or the other. Avoid making these common mistakes that could harm your personal injury claim. Protect your legal rights by hiring a lawyer to handle your personal injury case.
