Chicago and Rolling Medows Personal Injury Attorney Michael V. Favia Offers Up the Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Pursuing a Personal Injury Claim
There are many options available to treat injuries and pursue compensation, and at the Chicago and Rolling Meadows Personal Injury Law Firm of Michael V. Favia & Associates, you learn all your rights and options to help you determine the best way to proceed in your recovery.
If you have been injured in an accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. However, pursuing a personal injury claim can be a complex and time-consuming process, and many common mistakes can jeopardize your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve. In this article, we will discuss the top 5 mistakes to avoid when pursuing a personal injury claim, and provide practical tips for protecting your rights and maximizing your recovery.
Michael V. Favia is a Personal Injury Attorney in private health law practice for many years. His experience and reputation as a lawyer in the community and among his peers are important in his law practice and in representing clients. Favia urges us all to beware of mistakes to avoid when we have a personal injury claim.
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Mistake #1: Failing to Seek Medical Treatment
One of the most common mistakes that people make after an accident is failing to seek medical treatment. Even if you feel fine after the accident, it is important to get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible. Many injuries, such as whiplash or traumatic brain injuries, may not be immediately apparent and can worsen over time if left untreated. Seeking medical treatment not only ensures that you receive the care you need but also establishes a record of your injuries and the treatment you received, which can be critical evidence in a personal injury claim.
Mistake #2: Giving a Recorded Statement to an Insurance Adjuster
After an accident, you may be contacted by an insurance adjuster who will ask you to provide a recorded statement about the accident. While it may seem innocent enough, giving a recorded statement can be a major mistake. Insurance adjusters are trained to ask leading questions and may try to get you to say something that could be used against you later. Additionally, you may not yet fully understand the extent of your injuries or the value of your claim. Before speaking to an insurance adjuster, it is important to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who can advise you on your rights and help you avoid making any statements that could harm your case.
Mistake #3: Waiting Too Long to File a Claim
In Illinois, there is a statute of limitations that sets a deadline for filing a personal injury claim. Generally, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. However, waiting too long to file a claim can be a major mistake. Evidence may be lost or destroyed, witnesses may forget what they saw, and memories may fade over time. Additionally, the longer you wait to file a claim, the harder it may be to gather the evidence needed to support your case. If you have been injured in an accident, it is important to consult with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible to ensure that your rights are protected.
Mistake #4: Posting About the Accident on Social Media
In today’s digital age, it is common for people to share details of their lives on social media. However, if you have been injured in an accident, posting about the accident or your injuries on social media can be a major mistake. Insurance companies and defense attorneys may use your social media posts as evidence against you in court. For example, if you post a photo of yourself engaging in physical activity after the accident, it could be used to suggest that your injuries are not as severe as you claim. It is important to be cautious about what you post on social media and to avoid discussing your case online.
Mistake #5: Accepting a Settlement Offer Too Early
Finally, one of the biggest mistakes that people make when pursuing a personal injury claim is accepting a settlement offer too early. Insurance companies are in the business of minimizing their payouts and may offer a quick settlement that is far less than what you deserve. It is important to remember that once you accept a settlement offer, you generally cannot go back and ask for more money later, even if you discover that your injuries are more severe than you initially thought.
Contact us today at the Chicago and Rolling Meadows Personal Injury Law Firm of Michael V. Favia & Associates, P.C. We can meet in person at one of our convenient locations, or by phone call or Zoom if that is more convenient. At your free consultation, you can learn your rights and options to pursue recovery for your injuries, pain and suffering, and other damages.
