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If you have been hurt in an accident in El Paso, you might be wondering how to protect your personal injury claim. Whether it was a car crash, a slip and fall, or another type of accident, what you do after getting hurt can have a big impact on whether you receive the money you deserve. Many people make small mistakes that end up costing them a lot in the long run.
At Michael Gopin, we have seen how certain actions, or even innocent decisions, can ruin a personal injury case. This blog will help you understand the most common mistakes people make, so you can avoid them and give yourself the best chance at a successful claim.
A personal injury claim is more than just filling out some forms and waiting for a check. It is a legal process that depends on strong evidence, clear facts, and smart decisions. Insurance companies will look for any reason to deny a claim or offer less money than you need. Even one simple mistake can give them an excuse to pay you less. That is why it is so important to understand these common pitfalls and avoid them.
Below are the top 7 mistakes that can ruin your personal injury claim in El Paso.
One of the biggest mistakes people make after an accident is not seeing a doctor right away. Some people think they are fine because they do not feel pain immediately. Others might avoid the doctor because they worry about medical bills. However, failing to get medical care can hurt your health and your case.
Insurance companies often argue that if you did not go to the doctor soon after the accident, you must not have been hurt badly. They might even claim your injuries were caused by something else that happened later.
A personal injury lawyer will always recommend getting medical attention as soon as possible. Not only does this help protect your health, but it also creates important records that show how serious your injuries are and how they were caused.
After an accident, you might get a phone call from the insurance company. They may act friendly and say they just want to get your side of the story. However, insurance adjusters are trained to protect the company’s money, not your best interests. Anything you say to them can be used against you later.
People often make the mistake of giving a recorded statement or answering detailed questions without legal advice. Even an innocent comment, like “I’m feeling better now,” can be twisted to make it seem like your injuries are not serious.
A personal injury lawyer should handle all communication with the insurance company. This protects your claim and prevents you from accidentally saying something that could hurt your case.
It is not enough to simply see a doctor after your accident. You also need to follow their advice. This might include taking medicine, going to physical therapy, or attending follow-up appointments. Some people stop treatment early because they feel a little better, or they are busy with work and family.
However, stopping treatment too soon can give the insurance company a reason to lower the value of your claim. They might argue that you are not really hurt if you did not follow through with care.
Following medical advice shows that you are taking your recovery seriously and that your injuries are real and deserve fair compensation.
Social media is a big part of many people’s lives, but it can be a dangerous place when you have a personal injury claim. Insurance companies often look at accident victims’ Facebook, Instagram, and other profiles to find information they can use against them.
Even a simple post, like sharing a picture of yourself smiling at a family gathering, could be twisted to suggest you are not truly suffering. Comments about your accident, your injuries, or your case can also backfire.
The safest choice is to stay off social media while your case is ongoing. If you do post, never discuss your accident or injuries online.
Texas law sets strict deadlines for filing personal injury claims. This is known as the statute of limitations. In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to seek money for your injuries, no matter how strong your case is.
Some people wait because they think they can settle things on their own. Others are just overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to gather evidence, speak with witnesses, and build a strong case.
Talking to a personal injury lawyer in El Paso right after your accident is the best way to make sure you do not run out of time.
Insurance companies often try to settle claims fast by offering a small amount of money upfront. This might seem tempting, especially if you are facing medical bills and lost income. However, these first offers are usually far less than what your case is truly worth.
Once you accept a settlement, you cannot go back and ask for more later, even if you discover new injuries or realize your recovery will take longer than expected.
A personal injury attorney can help you understand what your case is really worth. This includes not just your current bills but also future medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering. It is important to wait until you know the full extent of your injuries before agreeing to any settlement.
Some people think they can handle a personal injury claim on their own. They might believe it will save them money, or they might think the process is simple. Unfortunately, this often leads to mistakes that cost much more in the long run.
Personal injury law is complex. Insurance companies have teams of lawyers working to protect their interests. Without your own legal team, you are at a disadvantage.
A personal injury lawyer knows how to collect the right evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for the money you deserve. They can also take your case to court if needed. Hiring a lawyer often leads to higher settlements and takes the stress off your shoulders, so you can focus on healing. Also, most lawyers offer contingency fees, which means if they don’t win your case, you won’t have to pay any fees.
Beyond avoiding these seven big mistakes, there are other smart steps you can take to protect your case.
Hold onto medical records, bills, receipts, and any paperwork related to your accident. This includes records of missed work, travel expenses for medical visits, and any home modifications needed because of your injuries.
As soon as you can, write down everything you remember about your accident. This might include how it happened, who was involved, and what you felt at the time. Memories fade, and having detailed notes can help later.
Personal injury cases take time. While it might feel frustrating to wait, rushing can lead to poor decisions. Trust your lawyer’s advice and understand that building a strong case is worth the effort.
At Michael Gopin, we understand how stressful it is to deal with an injury. Our team is dedicated to helping people in El Paso get the fair treatment and compensation they deserve. We work hard to avoid the mistakes that can ruin a claim and guide our clients every step of the way.
When you work with our team, you benefit from:
Our goal is to help you recover physically, emotionally, and financially from your accident. We do not charge upfront fees. You only pay us if we win money for you.
Accidents are stressful, and making the wrong choice after getting hurt can cost you money and peace of mind. Avoiding these common mistakes gives you a better chance at receiving the full compensation you need to move forward.
If you have been injured in El Paso, contact Michael Gopin’s personal injury lawyers today. We are ready to help you understand your rights and build a strong case from the start. No Win No Fees!
Michael J. Gopin has practiced law in El Paso since 1987. Even after more than 30 years, he still remembers his first jury case. It was two weeks after receiving his license, when he represented a person whose life had been forever changed after being blinded in a work-related incident...
We are experienced El Paso personal injury lawyers. Give us a call and you’ll be taken care of! (915) 333-3333
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