Top Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Personal Injury Claim
Suffering an injury due to another person’s negligence can be overwhelming. Beyond the pain and medical treatment, accident victims often face lost wages, mounting expenses, and uncertainty about the future. Filing a personal injury claim offers a path to compensation, but many people unintentionally make mistakes that weaken their case. At The Sharma Law Office, we represent clients in Philadelphia, Easton, the Lehigh Valley, and Iselin, New Jersey, and we know how critical it is to avoid errors that insurers and defense attorneys may use against you.
If you’ve been injured, learning what not to do is just as important as knowing your legal rights. Consulting with a personal injury lawyer early helps protect your claim and preserves evidence that could significantly impact the outcome. Schedule a consultation with our firm today so we can begin guiding you through the process.
Failing to Seek Medical Attention Immediately
One of the most damaging mistakes is delaying medical care. Insurance companies often argue that if you did not see a doctor promptly, your injuries must not be serious. Waiting to seek treatment can also create gaps in your medical record, which may weaken the connection between the accident and your injuries.
Prompt medical treatment not only supports your health but also provides essential documentation for your claim. A personal injury attorney can use these records to demonstrate the extent of your injuries and the costs associated with them.
Providing Statements to Insurance Companies Too Soon
After an accident, insurance adjusters often request a recorded statement. While they may seem helpful, their goal is to limit the payout. Anything you say can be taken out of context and used against you later.
Instead of speaking with insurers right away, direct all communication through your attorney. At The Sharma Law Office, our practice areas include representing clients in injury cases, and we handle negotiations to ensure clients avoid falling into traps set by insurance companies.
Posting on Social Media About Your Case
Social media has become a standard part of daily life, but posting about your accident or injuries online can be disastrous. Insurers and opposing counsel often monitor accounts for evidence they can use to dispute the severity of your injuries or argue that you are exaggerating your limitations.
Even seemingly harmless posts can be misinterpreted. A personal injury lawyer in Pennsylvania will advise you to avoid discussing your case online until it is fully resolved.
Ignoring Medical Advice or Skipping Appointments
Another mistake that can hurt your claim is failing to follow prescribed treatment. Missing physical therapy sessions or ignoring doctor’s orders suggests to insurers that your injuries are not as severe as you claim. Courts may also see noncompliance as evidence that you are not mitigating damages.
Following your treatment plan strengthens your case and shows that you are taking recovery seriously. An experienced personal injury attorney in Pennsylvania can explain how these details affect compensation and work to ensure your medical records support your claim.
Settling Too Quickly
Insurance companies often offer early settlements to close cases before victims understand the full impact of their injuries. Accepting a quick offer may prevent you from recovering compensation for future medical needs, ongoing therapy, or lost earning capacity.
At The Sharma Law Office, we advise clients not to rush into settlements. Our team reviews medical records, financial losses, and long-term needs to pursue fair compensation. You can learn more about our approach on our About Us page.
Waiting Too Long to File a Claim
Both Pennsylvania and New Jersey impose statutes of limitations on personal injury cases, typically two years from the date of the accident. Failing to file within this period can result in losing the right to pursue compensation.
Timing is critical. Consulting a personal injury attorney promptly ensures that deadlines are met and evidence is preserved. For clients in Easton, Philadelphia, the Lehigh Valley, and Iselin, our firm handles every step of the filing process to prevent costly delays.
Protecting Your Claim Starts Now
A personal injury claim is about more than money. It is about accountability and justice for the harm you have suffered. At The Sharma Law Office, we provide representation for victims across Pennsylvania and New Jersey, handling each case with diligence and care.
Our firm is ready to stand by you after an accident, whether it involves a motor vehicle collision, a slip and fall, or professional negligence. Do not let preventable mistakes weaken your case. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and protect your right to full and fair compensation.