Mistakes to Avoid in Your Personal Injury Claim in Maryland
If you were recently injured in an accident, you are likely looking to get reimbursed for your damages through a personal injury claim. Mistakes can happen, even with a personal injury claim. However, it is important to take the necessary steps to avoid common mistakes that can ultimately hurt your chances of recovery.
When you retain a Maryland personal injury attorney, your attorney will prevent the risk of these mistakes. Some people assume they can not afford to hire an attorney for a personal injury claim. What they fail to realize is that most attorneys charge a contingency fee rather than upfront hourly fees. This means an attorney will handle your case without fees unless you receive a settlement award. Your attorney will then take a percentage of that award.
Missing the Statute of Limitations
Do not assume that because you are in negotiations with the insurance company, that you are not required to file a lawsuit. If you do not file a lawsuit to preserve the statute of limitations for your type of injury claim, the other party’s insurance company is under no legal obligation to continue negotiations or offer you any financial compensation. When you hire a Maryland personal injury attorney, he or she will handle everything and ensure the statute of limitations is protected.
Signing a Settlement Agreement Without Understanding
Settlement agreements are contracts, and unless you signed under duress or lacked the mental capacity to sign, then it is most likely going to hold up in court. If you do not understand the terms of the agreement, speak with an attorney before proceeding. If you are going to need future treatment that is not included in the settlement agreement you signed, the insurance company will not pay out any additional money. In fact, the agreement terminates your legal rights to file additional claims or lawsuits related to that accident.
Not Pursuing All Liable Parties
Many injured parties stick to pursuing the at-fault driver for compensation in an accident. What they fail to realize is that there could be other responsible parties. Perhaps the driver was operating a company vehicle or there was something wrong with the car, like a mechanical defect. A situation like this means there are additional parties who could be held liable for your injuries and be subject to financial contribution. Personal injury attorneys investigate claims and ensure all potential at-fault parties, currently known and unknown, will be named in the lawsuit.
Do Not Let Your Guard Down
No matter how nice the insurance adjusters or attorneys for the other party seem, always remember they are not your friend. Their job is to ensure the smallest payout possible. If you say something in passing, it could be used against your claim later on. Always keep your guard up and watch everything you say when speaking with any representative from the other side.
Retaining a Maryland Personal Injury Attorney
If you have been injured in an accident, contact our Waldorf personal injury attorney at the Law Office of Robert Castro by calling 301-870-1200 to schedule a consultation.
