Did you know one mistake on your injury claim can cost you thousands?
Each year over 400,000 personal injury claims are filed in the U.S. And guess what…
The majority of those people are damaging their own case.
And in most cases, they have no idea they’re doing it.
Here are the #1 things that cost personal injury victims money:
Things You’ll Discover:
- The #1 Mistake That Destroys Your Case Before It Starts
- Why Documentation Can Make or Break Your Claim
- The Settlement Trap That Costs Victims Thousands
- How Legal Representation Changes Everything
- Timing Mistakes That Kill Claims
The #1 Mistake That Destroys Your Case Before It Starts
You won’t believe the single mistake that wrecks injury claims…
Waiting to get medical attention.
This mistake will sink your case. Here’s why…
Insurance companies look for ways to reduce your settlement. Delaying medical care is the easiest “out” they have.
They argue your injuries must not be serious. Or that you weren’t hurt in the accident. They use your “delay” to make these claims.
Think about it:
If your injuries were really from an accident, wouldn’t you go to a doctor right away? Of course you would. Insurance adjusters think the same thing.
Here’s the secret:
Not all injuries show symptoms right away. Whiplash, concussions, internal bleeding – they all take time to manifest. By the time you realize you’re injured, the evidence is gone.
Solution? Simple:
Go to a doctor right away. Even if you think you’re fine. Get a medical record that links your injuries to the accident.
Smart injury victims know this. An experienced Oklahoma City accident lawyer will advise a client to seek medical attention immediately.
Why Documentation Can Make or Break Your Claim
Here’s another thing you won’t believe…
The key to a strong case isn’t just how injured you are. It’s how well you prove it.
Documentation is key.
Your personal injury claim is a story you tell with evidence. The more evidence you have, the better your story is.
Evidence to document includes:
- Photos of the accident, the damage, your injuries
- Medical records from every appointment and doctor
- Lost Wages and Employer Statements
- Daily Life and Activities Affected by Injuries
Here’s where most people go wrong…
They think they’ll remember it later. It’s not that important. “I don’t need to take photos.” “I can just tell my doctor.”
BIG mistake. Three words:
Months later you have no proof. The insurance company has no interest in a fair settlement. So they make a lowball offer and tell you to take it or leave it.
Smart injury victims treat documentation like their job. They keep impeccable records from day one.
The result? Their case is worth much more, because they can prove their damages.
The Settlement Trap That Costs Victims Thousands
Here’s a crazy fact that will shock you…
The initial settlement offer from an insurance company is always a lowball offer. Sometimes it’s 10-20% of your case’s real value.
Here’s the worse part…
The majority of people accept it without negotiating.
They’re dealing with medical bills, lost pay, pain. When the insurance company offers to pay them money, any money, they take it.
What they don’t realize is:
Once you accept a settlement, that’s it. You can’t later ask for more if your injuries are worse than expected.
You’re stuck with what you signed up for.
This is how insurance companies work. They make the first offer fast. The logic is the longer you wait, the more you’ll know about your injuries.
Smart injury victims wait.
Never accept the first offer. Wait until your doctor has given you “maximum medical improvement.” That’s the point where your injuries have stabilized and are not expected to get better.
Only then can you know for sure what your claim is worth.
How Legal Representation Changes Everything
Another shocker for you:
People with attorneys get 3.5 times more compensation on average.
That’s right…
3.5 times more money.
Yes, even after you pay attorney fees, you still come out way ahead. But why?
Insurance companies know you don’t understand the law. They know you don’t know what your case is worth. They know you’re probably desperate for money.
So they lowball you.
When you have an attorney, everything changes:
- Insurance companies take your claim seriously
- Your attorney knows what your case is worth
- They handle all the legal stuff and paperwork and deadlines
- They negotiate with strength
Here’s how I like to explain it to my clients:
Would you perform your own brain surgery? Of course not. So why would you handle a complex injury claim by yourself?
Professional attorneys understand insurance companies’ tactics. They know how to spot lowball offers and how to counter them.
Most importantly, personal injury lawyers work on contingency. Meaning you pay them no fees unless you win.
Critical Timing Mistakes That Kill Claims
Here’s a mistake that ends thousands of injury claims every year…
Missing a deadline.
Personal injury law has lots of strict deadlines. Known as “statutes of limitations.” Miss one of these deadlines, and your case is over. No exceptions.
But it gets worse:
Every type of injury claim has different deadlines. Deadlines also change from state to state.
For instance:
- Car accidents have a 2-year deadline in Oklahoma
- Medical malpractice only gives you 1 year
- Filing against government employees only has a 6-month deadline
If you miss any of these deadlines by even a day, your case is over.
Other timing mistakes to avoid include:
- Reporting the accident to your insurance
- Preserving evidence before it’s too late
- Getting medical treatment early to link to the accident
Solution? Easy:
Start your claim right away. Don’t sit on your rights. Get help ASAP to make sure you don’t miss a deadline.
The Social Media Trap
Want to hear about one mistake that can end your case in seconds?
Posting on social media during your claim.
Insurance companies are watching your social media accounts. They’re looking for any proof to argue you’re not injured.
You checked in at a restaurant? They’ll say you’re not in pain.
Photo of you at a friend’s house? They’ll argue you’re not limited in your activities.
Video of you walking at the beach with your kids? They’ll claim you’re not disabled.
The insurance company will use anything against you.
Best approach? Simple:
Stay off social media completely during your claim. Or make all your accounts private. And don’t post anything to do with physical activities.
Remember: Insurance companies are looking for any excuse to deny or reduce your claim.
Final Thoughts on These Costly Mistakes
Personal injury claims are your one shot to get fair compensation. One mistake can cost you thousands – or your entire case.
But you now know the top mistakes to avoid:
- Delay in seeking medical care
- Poor documentation
- Jumping on early settlement offers
- Going it alone without legal representation
- Missing critical deadlines
- Social media posts
The good news? All of these mistakes are 100% avoidable. You just need to know what to look for. And then take action early.
Your injuries are serious. Your claim should be, too.
Getting proper legal representation isn’t just about winning your case. It’s about getting the compensation you deserve to put your life back on track.
Don’t make these costly mistakes. Your future depends on it.
