Common Mistakes People Make After a Personal Injury Accident
In 2024, there were over 100,000 car accidents in Chicago. There were over 1,400 deaths caused by falls in 2022 throughout Illinois, and around one-fifth of emergency department visits can be attributed to falls each year. People are injured throughout Chicago every day, and when these accidents are caused by the negligence or wrongdoing of another person, injured victims often have the right to pursue compensation for their damages.
The process of seeking financial compensation after a personal injury accident is complex, and it’s easy to make mistakes if you don’t have support and guidance from an experienced attorney. Here are five of the most common mistakes people in Chicago make after an accident.
Mistake #1: Delaying Medical Attention
The most important thing you will do after an accident is receive medical attention. Even if you do not think you have suffered severe injuries that require immediate medical care, you should still be seen by a doctor. Some injuries take hours or even days to become symptomatic, and many injuries worsen as time passes without the appropriate care. Plus, prompt medical attention and comprehensive follow-up care are important for your accident claim.
Mistake #2: Failing to Document the Accident
Personal injury accident cases rely on relevant and convincing evidence to support the claims being made by injured victims. If you do not gather and preserve documents like medical records, police reports, and eyewitness statements, you may have a hard time building a strong case for compensation. It is crucial that you collect the evidence to show that the responsible party is at fault for your accident.
Mistake #3: Accepting the First Settlement Offer
Insurance companies are not on your side when pursuing an accident claim. They are for-profit businesses that prioritize their bottom line over your financial recovery. More often than not, the first offer an insurer makes will be much lower than what you deserve.
Mistake #4: Missing Key Deadlines
Whether you are pursuing a settlement or seeking compensation through litigation in court, there will be deadlines you must meet in order to keep your case moving. One of the most important deadlines is called the statute of limitations. In Chicago, the statute of limitations is typically two years, but there are exceptions. If you miss this deadline, you will likely lose the opportunity to seek compensation for your injuries.
Mistake #5: Going Through the Process Alone
Not only are there many deadlines to keep track of, but personal injury cases also involve complex requirements and legal processes. It is almost impossible for an injured accident victim to navigate their case without support from an attorney. After an accident, your focus should be on your physical and psychological recovery, not on preparing for settlement negotiations or litigation. Don’t face the numerous obstacles of accident claims alone. Contact The CP Law Group for assistance from a personal injury lawyer you can trust. To schedule a free consultation with a Chicago accident lawyer, contact us at 844-546-4878 (that’s 844-5-IM-HURT) or on social media @TheCPLawGroup.