We live in an unpredictable world where anything can go wrong at any moment. If you spend too much time thinking about just how little you control, you’ll end up paralyzed by fear and anxiety. But it’s important to think ahead about how you’ll handle certain situations.
For example, do you know how you would respond if you were injured in a car accident? What if you slipped and fell on an ice patch in the middle of winter? What if you were playing softball with a group of coworkers and sustained a concussion?
It’s hard to know exactly how you’d respond in any given situation, but the more prepared you are, the less likely that you’ll make a huge mistake.
Avoid These 4 Mistakes
When there’s a physical aliment or injury involved, people don’t always think clearly. They rush into making decisions, which leads to further ramifications down the road. Having said that, let’s check out some of the most common mistakes people make so that you can avoid their same fate.
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Not Getting Immediate Medical Care
The first mistake people make is not getting the medical attention they need right away. Whether it’s a fear of racking up an expensive emergency room bill, or hoping the injury will heal on its own, not seeing a doctor is not an option. Not only will this increase your chances of experiencing long-term side effects, but it’ll also hurt your chances of filing a claim (if that’s a route you end up pursuing).
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Failing to Document the Incident
Most people don’t think clearly following an injury, but try to remember to document the incident as quickly as possible. If you do end up filing a claim or pressing charges against someone, having concrete proof and tangible details will help your case tremendously.
If it’s a car accident, snap a few pictures on your smartphone. If you’re walking around downtown and somebody attacks you and steals your purse, write down the details as quickly as possible. The goal is to substantiate your verbal claims with as much proof as possible.
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Accepting A Cash Settlement
In a personal injury situation – whether a car accident or slip and fall incident – the insurance company representing the other party involved will contact you and attempt to offer a quick settlement. Resist the temptation to take the bait, though.
“Quick settlement offers are typically low and represent a fraction of the fair value of the case,” Becker Law Office explains. “It may be several months before the full extent of your injuries is understood and whether you will be able to return to work. If you agree to a settlement, and then you have additional medical bills, you cannot ask the insurer for more money.”
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Being Coaxed Into Admitting Fault
Whatever you do, don’t let someone else coax you into admitting fault. Even if you think you may have been to blame for your own injuries, it’s best to stay quiet. It’s easy to admit fault later on, but it’s much harder to go back and deny something after you’ve already accepted the blame.
Make Smart Choices
It’s not always easy to think clearly after an incident that leaves you injured or physically impaired. If you’re worried that you won’t think clearly – or that your emotional state will skew your decision making – it would be wise to hire an attorney. A skilled personal injury lawyer will look out for your best interests and help you avoid making many of the mistakes highlighted in this article.