You’d think objective evidence is the most important part of a personal injury case, but subjective elements can play a huge role in your case’s outcome. Insurance companies have many tricks they can use to deny you compensation, and knowing what to watch out for is crucial to protecting your rights and your ability to secure the compensation you deserve.
The Georgia car accident attorneys at the W. Winston Briggs Law Firm have helped many clients through the legal process after a crash, and we’ve seen what happens when clients aren’t careful about safeguarding their rights. Four common mistakes people make in car accident cases are:
Mistake 1: Ignoring the Time Clock
Many people don’t realize that waiting too long to file a lawsuit can slam the brakes on their compensation. Each state has its own deadline, outlined in its statute of limitations. Missing this deadline means you could lose your chance at justice. Get the ball rolling ASAP to secure the best outcome.
Mistake 2: Not Collecting Enough Evidence
In the aftermath of a car accident, gathering a solid body of evidence is crucial. Don’t just snap a few photos and call it a day. If you’re not seriously injured and are able, document the scene with detailed pictures, videos, and measurements. Ask if anyone has dashcam footage of the crash. Collect contact information from witnesses and obtain a copy of the police report. A well-documented case can turbocharge your compensation claim.
Mistake 3: Posting on Social Media
Social media may be your go-to for sharing life updates but don’t do it when it comes to a car accident that injured you. Posting about your accident, injuries, or recovery can give insurance companies ammo to devalue your claim. Stay off social media altogether, and let your lawyer guide your communication strategy.
Mistake 4: Not Hiring an Attorney ASAP
Working through the legal labyrinth of car accident claims without a skilled lawyer is like driving without GPS – you’ll likely get lost. A seasoned attorney knows the ins and outs of the law and can expertly steer your case toward maximum compensation. Don’t gamble with your financial future. Invest in a top-notch lawyer to champion your cause.
How Our Car Accident Lawyers Can Protect Your Rights
The Georgia car accident attorneys at the W. Winston Briggs Law Firm have decades of legal experience and know how to help you avoid common insurance company traps. When we represent you, we can:
- File your claim on time: The Georgia statute of limitations for personal injury cases allows you two years to file a lawsuit. We can manage all the legal work in your case, so you don’t have to worry about missing any deadlines.
- Gather evidence: Our highly trained and experienced investigators can review your medical records, crash scene photos, police accident reports, eyewitness accounts, expert testimony, and other evidence to identify everyone potentially liable for your injuries. We’ll also use this evidence to fully document all your injuries and other losses from the crash.
- Enter into settlement negotiations: We know insurance companies’ tactics for denying crash victims fair compensation. More importantly, we know how to counter them and maximize your financial recovery. We’ll deal with the insurance companies. You focus on your medical treatment.
- Represent you at trial: Most Georgia car accident cases end well before the trial starts, but there are times when you need to take an insurance company to court to protect your rights. Our attorneys have extensive trial experience and can represent you at any hearings related to your case. If your case goes to trial, rest assured that we’ll have a comprehensive strategy ready to protect your rights.
Contact Us Today
The Georgia car accident attorneys at the W. Winston Briggs Law Firm are ready to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you need after you were injured in a car crash someone else caused. Call us today at (404) 522-1500 or visit our contact page for a free consultation.