Unfortunately, people get hurt all the time on the job, in their homes and even when out enjoying a beautiful day in Tampa. When these injuries occur because of the negligence of someone else, it is possible to file a claim with their insurance company to be compensated for the damages you experience.
However, as every personal injury attorney can tell you, personal injury cases are complicated and complex. Most people aren’t aware of the evidence, information, and documentation required to prove not that the accident occurred, but that the other party or parties were, in fact, acting negligently.
In addition, and to make the case more challenging, the other party is going to have attorneys for their insurance company actively working to prove that the injured party bears some to most of the fault for the injury. This allows the insurance company to offer a lower settlement offer.
In these types of cases, people without a personal injury attorney often make mistakes. Knowing these mistakes will be helpful in understanding why legal representation is necessary.
Making Statements
The insurance company will request an interview with you either by phone or with an adjustor. In this statement, they will ask questions and have you talk about the accident or injury in great detail. This is all about trying to determine how much at fault you were in the accident. Not understanding what this is all about may create the perfect condition for the insurance companies to get the statement of fault they need from the injured party.
Not Involving all Parties
With some types of personal injury cases, including slip and falls, medical malpractice and product liability claims there may be multiple parties to the claim. Working with an experienced personal injury attorney who can unravel complicated insurance information and actual liability of each party is essential to completely settle the case and obtain your fair settlement.
Not Getting Documentation
Knowing what evidence and documentation has to be brought into negotiations with the insurance company, or perhaps in mediation, arbitration or through a Tampa court is critical.
With the combination of limited documentation and evidence and not knowing how other similar cases have settled, the biggest mistake people make is to take the low ball offer of the insurance company. With a personal injury attorney, you will recognize the offer as unfair, and have the expertise and legal representation to take your case to the next level.
