5 Ways You Can Jeopardize Your Personal Injury Case

If injured in a slip-and-fall accident, fender bender, or workplace mishap, you should contact a lawyer to see whether or not you have a strong case. A personal injury can be a huge setback to your life, and it can take a while to get back to something close to normal.

But an even more significant setback to be wary of is a mistake that derails your personal injury case -- robbing you of compensation you’d otherwise be entitled to. 

Here are five ways people often hurt their cause during personal injury cases.

1. Acknowledging Fault in Front of Others

One of the worst things you can do is admit your fault in an accident. Time and time again, someone might admit fault following an accident -- only to have the facts show that they were not the cause of the mishap. 

So, even if you feel you caused or contributed to an accident, be wary of what you say. Exchange information with others involved in a collision and check to ensure everyone's okay. But don't self-incriminate yourself. 

Once the police conduct an investigation, they will determine the at-fault party or parties. Your personal injury lawyer will comb over the facts of the case and help achieve the best outcome, whether or not you caused the collision. So, don’t shoot yourself in the foot with your words.

2. Sharing Too Much Information on Social Media

While social media can be fun, it's never a good thing to over-share. It's easy to misconstrue words or pictures. If you’re injured in a car accident and later post pictures on social media showing you and your friends enjoying a meal at a fancy restaurant, that can send the wrong message.

Of course, spending time with associates doesn't mean you’re not injured. But the insurance company's lawyer could pounce on your social media content to undercut your case.

3. Failing to Seek Medical Care

Another mistake you must avoid is failing to seek medical care. If injured in a car accident, toughing it out and continuing to live as though all is well isn't the right move. You must make a doctor's appointment, get checked out, and seek medical recommendations. 

A doctor or specialist will identify what injuries you have, the extent of these injuries, and what steps are required to get you back to good health. If you skip this vital step, the lawyer for the insurance company could argue that you're not severely injured. That could result in less compensation than you would otherwise get or a case dismissal. 

See your doctor and document everything. You can share this information with your personal injury lawyer.

4. Hiring the Wrong Lawyer

You shouldn't hire just any personal injury lawyer. Focus on finding the right one. That requires doing some research to find a good lawyer from a reputable law firm -- a lawyer experienced with helping clients in your shoes. Find a lawyer with experience in court and at the bargaining table. You need a lawyer able to go toe-to-toe with insurance companies.

5. Representing Yourself

It’s a mistake to represent yourself for a personal injury case. Whatever money you save representing yourself will be lost in the courtroom or at the bargaining table. Personal injury law is vast and complex, so it’s best to rely on the help of a legal professional with experience. 

Committing any of the mistakes above is bound to hinder your personal injury case. Much is at stake, so find a reputable lawyer to guide you through the process and get you what you deserve. 

You must give yourself the best possible chance of success, and that means getting legal help.