If you’ve been hurt on another person’s property, you may be considering filing a personal injury claim with the insurance company before pursuing a lawsuit. While personal injury claims can be negotiated between you and the claims adjuster, there are some things you should be aware of so that you get the compensation you deserve. Here are four mistakes to avoid:
1. Waiting too Long to File
You don’t have to wait for your medical treatment to be completed in order to file. In fact, there are statutes of limitations in each state (usually about a year or more) and so if you wait too long, you may not be able to pursue your claim. You should hire a lawyer as soon as you can, so he or she can guide you through the proper documentation you will need.
2. Drafting an Unconvincing Demand Letter
Your lawyer can help you draft a demand letter, which you will need to send to the insurance adjuster. In this letter, it is vital that you are truthful and honest about your side of the story. Make sure to summarize your case briefly since the court clerk will have many claims to sift through. Also, make sure that you use a neutral tone when crafting your letter. If you make threats or snide remarks about the other parties involved in your claim, you may not reach a reasonable negotiation.
3. Spilling Too Much on Social Media
Even if you’ve drafted a stellar demand letter and believe that your claim will go through, don’t get too comfortable. Insurance companies are checking up on sites like Twitter and Facebook to make sure you aren’t leaving self-incriminating details. If a video, picture, or comment on your social media contradicts your established condition, you could be accused of insurance fraud. Since it can be easy to exaggerate online, it’s best to keep the details of your case private on social media.
4. Shirking Your Visits to the Doctor’s Office
Along with being prudent with your social media usage, be sure to visit your doctor regularly during this time. This will help you keep your prescriptions up to date and document your efforts at receiving treatment. If you are lax about your personal health and getting second opinions, then the insurance adjuster won’t believe that you really need further compensation.
If you were injured and have to deal with insurance adjusters, please consider calling the Boston injury lawyers at Powers & Caccavale for a free case evaluation toll free (617) 379-0016 or email us today.