When a person is hurt in an accident, it’s important for them to take steps to protect their claim. Having the help of professional who specializes in personal injury law in Angola, Indiana is the easiest way to preserve the evidence needed to build a claim. Indiana’s personal injury lawyers know which state laws may affect these cases’ outcomes, and they’ll work hard on their clients’ behalf. Below are several things that may damage a personal injury claim.
Admissions of Fault
One of the surest ways to ruin an accident claim is to admit fault. Even if a victim believes they may be partially responsible, they should never say so. Admitting fault after an accident is often devastating to the claim. Things aren’t always as they seem, and determinations of fault should be left up to the police and the attorney.
Apologies
Along with admitting fault, victims should never apologize. Saying “I’m sorry” may imply that the victim is taking responsibility for the accident. Although it seems like the right response, an apology may be used against a victim.
Refusal of Medical Treatment
A victim may ruin their claim by saying they’re not hurt. Refusing medical attention isn’t a wise decision, as the shock of a serious accident may prevent the victim from realizing the severity of their injuries. In some cases, underlying brain, spinal and internal injuries may not be immediately evident. For safety’s sake and that of the accident claim, always seek prompt medical attention.
Speculation
An accident claim may be damaged if a victim offers their opinion on what happened. Speculation is extremely damaging to a case, and when speaking to the other party’s insurer, victims should stick to the facts and offer no additional information.
Accepting a Settlement Without Consulting an Attorney
Of course, accident claims are likely to suffer if a victim signs a settlement offer without speaking to an attorney. It may seem like a fair amount, but without consulting an attorney who has a deep knowledge of personal injury law in Angola, Indiana, it’s impossible to know for sure. An Indiana accident lawyer will review the case’s details to determine the damages for which a victim is eligible. Call Yoder & Kraus PC or visit them online for more details. Follow us on Twitter.
