Common Mistakes Made by Plaintiffs in Personal Injury Lawsuits
Those who have been injured in an accident may end up filing a personal injury lawsuit to resolve their grievances. A personal injury attorney can provide support and counsel to personal injury plaintiffs so they obtain the settlement they deserve.
One of the ways a personal injury attorney can help is by preparing plaintiffs for their lawsuit. At the Tawwater Law Firm, our attorneys work with our clients so they can avoid common mistakes by plaintiffs in personal injury lawsuits. If you live in or around Oklahoma City, OK, and have been injured in an accident, we invite you to schedule a consultation to find out how we can help.
What Are Some Common Mistakes Plaintiffs Make?
The things that plaintiffs say and do can make a difference in the outcome of their case and impact their settlement. By being aware of some of the most common mistakes plaintiffs make in personal injury lawsuits, plaintiffs can help strengthen their claims and improve their chances of obtaining a fair settlement.
The following are some of the most common mistakes plaintiffs make in personal injury lawsuits.
Overstating
Personal injury plaintiffs in Oklahoma City sometimes fall under the false impression that if they overstate or exaggerate their injuries or situation, it will help them get a larger settlement.
The problem with this line of thinking is that personal injury plaintiffs need to prove their case. This means that statements that exaggerate things such as a loss of income or extent of injuries will not hold up when there is a lack of evidence to prove the matter.
Missing Doctor's Appointments
Missing doctor's appointments are documented in medical records, which can be obtained by the defendant's attorney or insurance company.
Not going to doctor's appointments can be used against the plaintiff to demonstrate that their injuries were not severe enough to seek medical care or that the injuries were not real to begin with.
Posting On Social Media
Insurance companies and defense attorneys may check social media to see if the plaintiff shared anything about their injuries or the accident. This information may be used against the plaintiff.
Plaintiffs should avoid posting comments about their injuries or the accident. Even posting activities that aren't related to the accident may be used against the plaintiff. For example, posting certain pictures after an accident that caused injury may be used to demonstrate that the injuries were non-existent or mild.
Not Documenting Events and Injuries
Failure to have sufficient proof can make it difficult to obtain the maximum settlement for your injuries and other damages.
It's important to take pictures at the scene of an accident if possible, take pictures of any injuries, and file a police report. Plaintiffs should ask for the names and contact information of all witnesses and save all medical documentation.
Failing to Consult a Personal Injury Attorney
Failing to consult an attorney as soon as possible after sustaining injuries in an accident can result in plaintiffs being taken advantage of by insurance companies and not being prepared during their personal injury lawsuit.
Consulting a personal injury attorney can help accident victims secure the maximum compensation for their injuries.
Contact the Personal Injury Attorneys of the Tawwater Law Firm
If you have been injured in an accident, you need the personal injury attorneys of the Tawwater Law Firm on your side. To schedule a consultation at our law firm in Oklahoma City, call (405) 607-1400.
