Mistakes in a Personal Injury Lawsuit: What Not to Do

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Lancaster, California, you might be considering filing a personal injury lawsuit to recover compensation for damages. The process, however, can be complex and fraught with potential pitfalls. Below, we discuss some of the most common mistakes people make that impair their ability to recover a full amount of compensation from the party responsible for causing their injuries. If you need assistance pursuing a personal injury claim in Los Angeles or the Antelope Valley, call the Kistler Law Firm for a free consultation with an experienced and successful Lancaster personal injury lawyer.

1. Not Seeking Immediate Medical Attention

First and foremost, failing to seek immediate medical attention after an accident is a common mistake. Some injuries may not show symptoms immediately but can have long-term effects. Not only does immediate medical care safeguard your health, but it also creates a medical record that serves as critical evidence in your lawsuit.

2. Undervaluing Your Claim

Many accident victims undervalue their claims, not taking into account future medical costs, lost wages, pain, and suffering. Insurance adjusters can be especially problematic in this regard; often they value the claim based only on present property damage and minimize any injury, making your claim seem much less valuable than it truly is. Kistler Law Firm’s experienced personal injury lawyers can help ensure you calculate all potential costs correctly.

3. Signing Without Understanding

Be cautious about signing any documents from insurance companies without fully understanding them. Insurers often attempt to settle claims quickly and for less than they’re worth. If you later find that your damages were more significant than you thought, you might have already signed away your rights to pursue any additional compensation. It’s essential to consult with a knowledgeable attorney before signing anything.

4. Missing the Statute of Limitations

In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally two years from the date of the accident. Failing to file within this timeframe could result in losing your right to pursue compensation. In certain circumstances, such as when the defendant is a public employee or government agency, the timeline might be significantly shorter. It might also be longer than two years in certain circumstances, so it’s always worthwhile to call an attorney for a free consultation to evaluate your claim, although the sooner you call, the better.

5. Not Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney

Navigating a personal injury lawsuit on your own can be daunting and complicated. Hiring an experienced personal injury attorney with a record of success can greatly improve your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve.

Call Kistler Law Firm for Help With Personal Injury Claims in Lancaster

Although personal injury claims have many pitfalls, you can generally avoid them all in one step: contacting a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after the accident. The Kistler Law Firm in Lancaster, California, is ready to help you through this difficult time. For more information or immediate assistance, contact the Kistler Law Firm at 661-206-6990 for a free consultation. Our experienced lawyers understand the complexities of personal injury law and are committed to supporting our clients every step of the way.