Whether it is a car accident or a slip and fall, when a person suffers a serious injury caused by the negligent and reckless actions of another party, the victim must claim compensation for the loss he or she has incurred.
It is imperative to understand that filing civil lawsuit and pursuing monetary damages involve several, crucial steps. Failing to take care even the smallest details can negatively impact your chances of obtaining the most favorable outcome possible.
The following are six mistakes you should avoid when pursuing a personal injury claim:
1. Taking too long to file the claim
Known as the “statute of limitations,” it sets a period of time someone has to take legal action and pursue monetary damages. In Mississippi, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in civil court. However, if you are seeking a claim for medical malpractice, then the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the incident.
2. Misrepresenting the injury
Do not exaggerate the severity of your injury in order to obtain a higher compensation. In addition, do not underestimate your injuries either. Both of these instances can cause discrepancies down the road and perhaps hinder your ability to recover monetary damages. It is wise to consult with a medical professional and get an expert opinion about the injury.
3. Failing to seek medical attention
Seeing a doctor immediately after your injury is one of the most important steps to do. Failure to do so can be held against you later, with the defense or your insurance company making a claim that your injuries may not have been serious enough to visit a doctor. The longer you wait for medical help, the more complicated your case can become.
4. Failing to document your accident and injury
An accident that results in serious injury can be an overwhelming event, which can make it easy to forget every detail of the incident. It is important to record all of the details while it is still fresh. Make sure you have records of all of the conversations of you have insurance providers, doctor visits and medication, photos that describe the nature of your injury, lost wages, and witness contact information.
5. Failing to file a police report
A police report is considered an official record of important information regarding the accident, including all the details and contact information of all parties involved. This document can be used as a significant piece of evidence in the courtroom.
6. Failing to seek legal advice
To protect your rights and best interests, obtaining legal assistance from an experienced personal injury lawyer must be done. Dealing with insurance companies and other legal matters without the help of an attorney can make your case difficult to succeed, if not impossible. While you recover from your injury, your lawyer could investigate your case, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance providers in order to get the money you deserve.
If you were injured due to the negligence of another party in Mississippi, contact Harris Law Firm, PLLC and schedule a free consultation with our Greenville MS personal injury lawyer today. Get more than 30 years of legal experience on your side!
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