When you’re involved in an accident, whether it has occurred at home, in the workplace or on the road, the ramifications can have a significant impact on the quality of your life. Victim’s emotions may be running high, and as such they may not be thinking clearly. Mistakes may be made – ones that could affect your future prosperity. Here is a list of the most common mistakes to avoid should you find yourself in such an unfortunate position.
Not Giving Yourself Sufficient Recovery Time
Any injuries sustained from an accident may inhibit your ability to work, or lead a simple, effective life. It’s paramount that you give yourself sufficient time to recover. If you rush back into daily life, you run the risk of prolonging your recovery time.
When seeking compensation you should always be shrewd. Your opponent’s insurance company may try to offer you compensation before the full extent of your injuries is revealed. If you know that you won’t be able to return to the workplace for a significant period of time, you’ll need a settlement that will allow you to cover the mortgage and living costs. Any compensation received will bear a direct correlation to any injuries sustained. Don’t be tempted to accept a settlement without knowing the full extent of your injuries.
Dealing Directly with your Opponent’s Solicitors
Many people make the mistake of dealing directly with their opponents insurers. This is common after having suffered an accident on the road. In most cases victims receive a phone call and an automatic offer, and say that they’ll manage all aspects of any claim.
An opponent’s insurer will always act in the interests of their client, and cannot offer you legal advice. For these reasons, victims shouldn’t expect to receive what they may be entitled to.
Accepting a Low Settlement
Personal injury solicitors are educated, trained and experienced professionals. They will provide you with an honest opinion regarding any financial compensation. An opponent’s insurer is duty bound to act ethically and fairly, however you can rest assured that, as mentioned above, the will act in the interests of their shareholders – and not you, the victim. When appointing someone to represent you, they will act in your best interests.
Leaving Everything to the Last Minute
Always be organised and don’t leave everything to the last minute. Victims should be made aware that most claims should be made within three years of the accident. In only exceptional circumstances can a claim be made after this period has expiry.
There are a number of reasons for this. Not only do any witnesses struggle to recall the events surrounding the accident after a prolonged period of time but, any reports filed may have been discarded. It becomes very difficult to win cases without sufficient information.
These are four common mistakes that victims make when filing a claim for accident compensation. If you’ve been involved in an accident, and are seeking compensation, avoid these mistakes at all costs.