When dealing with the aftermath of an accident, the journey to recovery can feel overwhelming. Mistakes made during this time can have lasting effects on the outcome of a case. If you’re in San Jose and facing the consequences of an accident, a skilled San Jose injury lawyer from Avrek Law can help avoid these common mistakes and guide you through the legal process.
Car accidents are a near-constant in California. In 2022, San Jose ranked 12th out of 15 cities in California for total fatal and injury collisions, with 2,444 incidents reported. The city also ranked 13th for alcohol-involved collisions (310) and hit-and-run accidents (240). These statistics highlight the prevalence of traffic accidents in the area and the importance of being aware of common mistakes that can negatively impact an injury claim.
Whether the injury is from a car accident, a workplace injury, or other incidents, victims often make errors that can undermine their ability to secure fair compensation. Legal professionals can help you avoid these common mistakes and guide you through the legal process.
Mistake #1: Not Seeking Immediate Medical Attention
One of the biggest mistakes made after an accident is neglecting to seek medical attention right away. Even if injuries appear minor or there’s no immediate pain, a doctor’s evaluation is crucial. Injuries like whiplash might not show symptoms immediately, but can worsen with time. If medical care is delayed, insurance companies might use this delay as an argument to minimize the severity of the injuries or claim that they weren’t as serious as initially thought.
A San Jose personal injury lawyer helps make sure the medical care received is properly documented and that all aspects of the injury are taken into account when building the case.
Mistake #2: Settling Too Quickly
After an accident, the insurance company may offer a quick settlement. This might seem appealing, especially when dealing with medical bills and other financial stresses. However, these early offers are often much lower than what’s deserved. Insurance companies aim to save money and may try to rush victims into accepting settlements before they fully understand the extent of their injuries.
A car accident attorney in San Jose can help assess the true value of a case. This includes not only medical bills but also lost wages, pain and suffering, and future medical needs. Having legal representation ensures that all aspects of a case are considered before making a final decision on a settlement.
Mistake #3: Not Documenting the Accident
Failing to gather evidence at the scene of the accident is another mistake that can hurt a case. The more information collected, the better the chances of success. Take photos of the scene, get witness statements, and file an official report with the police. These details help clarify who was at fault and can prevent disputes later on.
An accident lawyer in San Jose can assist in gathering the evidence and properly organizing it for presentation, making sure that the case is as strong as possible.
Mistake #4: Admitting Fault or Offering Statements to the Insurance Company
It’s easy to assume responsibility for an accident, especially if it feels like it was partially your fault. However, making statements like “I’m sorry” or “I didn’t see you” can be used against you by the insurance company. Even if it seems like a minor detail, insurance adjusters may twist your words to minimize the amount of compensation you’re entitled to.
By working with a car accident injury lawyer San Jose, all communication with the insurance company is handled. This ensures that nothing is said that could harm the case and that everything is carefully worded to protect the victim’s best interests.
Mistake #5: Not Considering Future Medical Needs
Accident injuries sometimes have long-lasting effects that may require future medical care. For example, in bicycle vs. car accidents, injuries can be severe and lead to ongoing treatment or even permanent disability. Failing to account for future medical expenses can leave a victim without enough compensation for future needs.
A San Jose injury lawyer understands how to evaluate future medical costs, working with medical professionals to determine how much treatment will be required in the long term.
Mistake #6: Relying on the Insurance Company to Handle Everything
It’s common to think that the insurance company will take care of everything, but in reality, they are focused on their bottom line, not the victim’s well-being. Insurance adjusters are trained to offer settlements that benefit the company, not the claimant. Without legal representation, victims are at a severe disadvantage during negotiations.
Having an auto accident lawyer in San Jose ensures that all communication with the insurance company is handled professionally and the settlement is fair. Legal professionals know how to navigate the complicated process and deal with the insurance company’s tactics effectively.
Mistake #7: Underestimating the Impact of Pain and Suffering
Many victims focus only on the physical injuries or medical expenses, forgetting the emotional toll the accident has taken. From whiplash to wrist pain, the mental and emotional strain from an accident can be just as debilitating. Anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life are common results of personal injuries and should be factored into any claim for compensation.
A San Jose personal injury lawyer makes sure that emotional suffering is included in the claim, ensuring that all aspects of the injury—both physical and emotional—are addressed.
Why Work with Avrek Law?
Working with a San Jose injury lawyer from Avrek Law provides a significant advantage. The legal team understands the intricacies of personal injury cases in San Jose, and the focus is on ensuring victims aren’t taken advantage of during an already challenging time. Avrek Law offers experienced guidance through every stage of the case, from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies. With more than 50 years of combined experience handling complex injury claims, Avrek knows how to secure fair compensation for victims, making sure that every aspect of the case is properly addressed.
If you’ve been injured in an accident, don’t wait. Call 866-598-5548 24/7, start a live chat, or fill out the form for a free case evaluation today. Let Avrek Law help secure the compensation you deserve.