If you have sustained an injury because of someone else’s behavior, you may be eligible for compensation. However, cases involving personal injuries can be quite complex and usually go through several phases before their resolution.
The things you do, or fail to do, following the accident that resulted in your injury can greatly impact your personal injury claim. Here are two costly mistakes that you need to avoid while pursuing compensation for your injury.
Failing to seek medical attention in time
The burden of proof lies with the victim in a personal injury case. Medical records can play a crucial role in your case as they specifically outline your injuries, their severity as well as the cost of recovery.
As such, it is important that you seek medical help as soon as you are injured. Otherwise, the defendant and their insurance company may argue that the accident you were involved in had nothing to do with your injury and that you may have had had a preexisting condition. It is unlikely that you will be awarded any amount if the defendant convinces the court that they were not responsible for your injuries.
Waiting too long to file your claim
Every state has a time limit within which an accident victim must file their personal injury claim against the at-fault party. This is known as the statute of limitations. In North Carolina, you have three years effective the date of the accident to file your personal injury lawsuit. You risk losing out on your compensation if you fail to file your claim within this time period.
Exaggerating your injuries
Being dishonest or exaggerating your injuries can have a devastating effect on your case and, of course, your compensation. Lying under oath may not only result in the dismissal of your case but can also result in you facing attempted fraud charges.
If you are hurt in an accident as a result of someone else’s negligent or reckless actions, it is important that you avoid costly mistakes that can ruin your chances of getting the compensation you deserve.
