D. Michael Kelly Personal Injury Law Blog on Lawyers.com

Mistakes that Can Jeopardize your Case

Thursday, August 27, 2009 by D. Michael Kelly

Avoid mistakes when pursuing a personal injury case.

When you are filing a Columbia personal injury lawsuit or other claim after an accident, it is all too easy to make a simple mistake that can severely jeopardize your case. Many of these mistakes are easy to avoid, and can help your case run smoothly and without difficulty.

File a Report: After what appears to be a simple, minor accident, it is easy to succumb to the temptation to not file a report with the police. No matter what the circumstances of your accident, you should always file a report as soon as possible. This report will provide a concrete record of the incident and help you cement the details while they are still fresh in your mind.

See a Doctor: Not having a doctor evaluate your injuries after an accident can have not only a negative impact on your claim, but a negative impact on your health. Even if your injuries seem minor, you should consult a doctor to ensure you aren’t injured worse than you think and prevent minor injuries from getting worse.

Hire an Attorney: While the law doesn’t require an individual to retain the services of an attorney when filing a claim, you should always speak with a lawyer and seek their advice. Your attorney will be able to provide you with valuable legal advice and help you make an informed decision based on your rights and state law.

Do Not Negotiate Without Advice: Insurance companies will always lookout for their own best interests and offer a settlement that is best for them. Before negotiating with any insurance company, be sure to seek legal advice and retain the services of an attorney to help you get the compensation you need and deserve. Most importantly, you should never sign any documents or commit to anything in writing without first consulting an attorney.

By avoiding a few simple mistakes, you can help yourself make your legal claims and issues run smoothly and are resolved as quickly as possible. For more information about your rights, contact your local Columbia personal injury attorney.

The article has been provided by the Columbia personal injury law firm of:
The Mike Kelly Law Group
500 Taylor Street
Columbia, South Carolina
29201
Toll-Free: 866.959.4341

Posted at 10:08 AM

Topic: Personal Injury