If you have been injured in an accident in which someone else was at fault, you are likely to try to get compensation for your damages. Unfortunately, many people are in pain and dealing with the fallout of the accident when they try to negotiate the best settlement for their needs. This can lead to serious mistakes that lose them a lot of money. Learn some of the most common mistakes we see and then contact Law Offices of Michael A. Kahn at (310) 209-1600 to consult with a personal injury attorney.
Not Hiring an Attorney
The biggest mistake people make is to try and go it alone. They assume that they know the facts of the case. They assume that fault is obvious. The trouble is that you can count on the insurance company to have many attorneys working for them. Those attorneys will have been working with experts in their field to call your evidence into question. Those attorneys are master negotiators who know how to reduce or deny compensation. You need to have the same level of representation.
Not Getting the Evidence You Need
Too often, a victim in an accident is so convinced that their case is black and white that they do not prepare for it. The truth is that no matter how obvious it is to you that another party was at fault, it might come down to their word against yours if you do not have the necessary evidence. For this reason, take photos, get videos, talk to witnesses at the scene, and keep a diary in which you detail the injuries, medical treatments, and pain levels.
Not Valuing Your Claim Correctly
There are two main ways that victims often underestimate the value of the claim. One, they might simply listen to what the insurance adjuster offers and assume that it is either a fair amount or the best they can do. Two, they might assume that their claim should include medical costs and not much else. The truth is that you should include all damages including lost income, pain and suffering, etc., and that the insurance company is going to do everything they can to reduce your settlement.
Likewise, some people overestimate their claim. They have heard of cases in which the victim gets millions of dollars and they think they are due that amount. The truth is that your case is only worth what you can prove. Trying to negotiate for twice what your claim is worth is not going to get you far.
For these and other reasons, it is always worth working with a personal injury attorney who can help you. To get started, reach out to Law Offices of Michael A. Kahn at (310) 209-1600 and request a consultation.
