Imagine if you were Santa Claus and you got struck by a car while out in your sleigh delivering Christmas presents to good little girls and boys? Imagine the injuries to you, your reindeer, your beautiful vehicle, and all the ruined gifts because another driver was going too fast on slick, icy roads. You would need to take time off to recuperate from a long list of injuries that this type of crash can cause.
From whiplash to severely broken bones, the medical bills would pile up fast, and you would miss your most important workday of the year. How would you recover from this devastating experience? You probably thought your and the negligent driver’s insurers would handle it all. But, a year later, you are still fighting to recover compensation for your injury claim.
Did you do something wrong when filing your compensation claim? Or do insurance companies act like the Grinch and not care about anyone but their bottom line? The answer is probably a little bit of both!
Why Personal Injury Claims Get Delayed or Rejected
The reason for a personal injury claim to get delayed or possibly rejected depends on the countless factors that affect an accident case. If your personal injury claim is at a standstill like our example involving good ole St. Nick, it could be due to one of the reasons below:
You haven’t reached your maximum medical recovery (you’re still actively recovering from injuries)
There are errors in the information regarding your accident, condition, claimed damages
The circumstances of your accident are still under investigation
Your claimed damages are incredibly high and will result in a significant amount of compensation
It’s also possible that the insurers involved are trying to hold out and hope that you will take a lower compensation offer to save themselves money. These greedy corporations are infamous for taking advantage of accident victims in vulnerable financial situations because of their injuries. This is a prime example of “bad faith” practices and is illegal.
It is crucial to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney immediately. They ensure your claim gets submitted the first time correctly and gather all evidence to obtain a fair settlement or jury verdict.
Common Mistakes You Can Avoid When Filing a Personal Injury Claim
The most minor mistakes can derail your entire injury claim and significantly your compensation amount. To avoid this happening in your case, consult with a skilled Orlando personal injury lawyer before making any decisions about your situation.
Below are the most common mistakes that get made after suffering an accident:
Believing attorneys are too expensive. This is one of the biggest mistakes injury victims make when filing a claim. At Jordan Law, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means we don’t get paid unless you do.
Not contacting the authorities. Evidence is key when seeking personal injury compensation. A police report is one of the most important pieces of evidence you can get, so don’t hesitate to call them after an accident.
Speaking to the insurer before an attorney. Everything you say will and can be used against you. This isn’t just for those under arrest but injury victims too. Insurance companies will use your words against you to minimize and/or deny your claim.
Not filing your claim in time. Florida has a strict statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim. If you wait past this deadline, you forfeit your right to compensation.
Not getting checked out by your doctor. Thinking you can tough out the pain and trauma of your accident injuries or assume you’re okay can complicate your injuries. Plus, insurers will claim you aren’t hurt as bad as you claim.
Undervaluing the worth of your damages. You may think that having your current and past medical bills, property damages, and lost wages covers your loss after an accident. But, what if you have lingering trauma that won’t ever go away? You shouldn’t be responsible for that either.
Trust Jordan Law to Prevent Delays in Your Personal Injury Claim
As you can see, filing a personal injury claim, the damages you’ve suffered, and even the insurer can all contribute to a delay in receiving the compensation you deserve. Trust the reputable personal injury attorneys of Jordan Law to represent you to ensure no mistakes are made and keep the insurance company acting fairly.