If someone else’s negligence leaves you injured, it is a lot to contend with. While your first concern should be seeking the medical attention you need, the next step is consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney. Obtaining the compensation to which you are entitled is likely critical to your ability to reach your fullest recovery. If you have been injured as a result of someone else's negligence, understanding the personal injury basics can help.
Common Myths about Personal Injury Claims and Insurance Companies
If you were injured in an accident that was caused by someone else's negligence, you might have the reasonable assumption that the at-fault party's insurance will cover your damages in their entirety, but this is not the way that it necessarily works. Unfortunately, many injured parties believe the following myths related to personal injury claims:
That the at-fault party’s insurance company will come through and cover the accident
That writing a reasonable letter to the insurance company will prompt the insurance company to offer a reasonable settlement
That the at-fault party's car insurance (in the case of car accidents) will cover your medical expenses in real-time
That the legal system provides a get-rich-quick scheme after an accident (the legal system provides a mechanism to attempt to obtain the compensation necessary to help you overcome the losses you incurred)
That the friendly insurance adjuster is an actual friend who is on your side
That you must provide a recorded statement if the insurance company asks for one
That the insurance company is motivated to compensate you fairly and in a timely fashion
That personal injury attorneys are interchangeable
Although the above are all common beliefs, none of them are necessarily true. The basic facts are that insurance companies are in the business of turning large profits, and this means cutting corners whenever possible – including when it comes to settlement offers. Finally, working with an experienced personal injury attorney whom you trust and with whom you feel comfortable is always in your best interests.
Protecting Your Personal Injury Claim
Fortunately, there are some things that you can do to protect your personal injury claim from the outset, including:
Seek the medical attention you need
Consult with an experienced personal injury attorney
Allow your personal injury attorney to negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf (you are not required to provide a recorded statement, and you are ill-advised to do so)
Carefully follow your personal injury attorney’s counsel
Stay off social media, and if you cannot stay off completely, make it your policy never to post about your claim
Call Us Today to Schedule a Consultation with a Killeen Personal Injury Attorney
If you have been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, Brett Pritchard at The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard in Killeen, Texas, is an experienced personal injury attorney who is committed to fighting for your rights and the compensation you need to make your fullest recovery. Your case matters, so please do not hesitate to contact or call us at 254-501-4040 for more information today.