Did you suffer an injury in Connecticut? You’re probably already aware of your right to claim compensation for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and other accident-related costs. However, your actions after an injury can have a major impact on the process and outcome of your case. Many people can fall into common pitfalls with their Connecticut personal injury claims, here is how to avoid them.

Failing to Seek Medical Attention

At a minimum, you need a thorough medical check-up after an accident for two reasons:

• Some serious conditions take time to show up after an accident. A minor headache, for example, could be the first sign of a traumatic brain injury.
• You’ll need every shred of medical evidence to support your claim.

Seek medical attention even if you feel almost fine and are sure you just need a little rest. Save every medical record and bill, including a log of travel costs related to your post-accident medical care.

Admitting Fault

Connecticut personal injury claims follow a principle known as “modified comparative fault.” You can claim compensation if you’re partially responsible for the accident, as long as your share of the fault is below 51%.

The at-fault party, or more likely their insurer and/or lawyer, may use many strategies to make you admit fault or inflate your portion of the responsibility. Even a simple phrase like “I’m sorry” can work against you, so be extremely careful with what you say after an accident.

Communicating Too Much With Insurance Companies

If an insurance company representative calls you after an accident, you may confirm your identity and the bare facts of the incident. However, you should avoid:

• Agreeing to a recorded statement
• Saying things that could hurt your claim, like “I don’t think my injury is very serious” or “I believe I was partially at fault”
• Accepting any settlement offer before consulting a lawyer

Remember, insurance companies protect their interests, not yours. As a rule, many insurers can and will use any excuse to pay you as little as possible.

Waiting Too Long to File

The statute of limitations in Connecticut gives you two years to file a personal injury claim. However, the sooner you start working on your claim, the higher your chances of a successful, timely resolution. Fast action makes it easier to:

• Collect relevant evidence
• Source reliable witness statements
• Prove your case to the insurance company

Handling Your Claim Yourself

Handling your own personal injury claim places you at an enormous disadvantage when dealing with insurance companies or the at-fault party’s lawyer. You’re likely to make mistakes that hinder your claim, and your final payout may be much lower, even supposing you save on attorney’s fees.

Reputable personal injury attorneys usually offer free initial consultations, and many may handle cases on a contingency basis, so you’d only pay if and when you collect a settlement. Your attorney can:

• Let you know how much your case is worth
• Help you build and present a powerful claim
• Ensure compliance with filing requirements and deadlines
• Protect your rights and negotiate with insurance companies
• Represent you in court if other options for settling your case fail

Contact the Law Offices of James A. Welcome for a Personal Injury Claim in CT

When you’re preparing to seek compensation for your injuries, you need a skilled local lawyer with a solid track record handling Connecticut personal injury claims. Attorney James A. Welcome and the rest of our hardworking legal team will provide full legal support throughout your claim process, from the initial call until your case’s resolution.

Call (475) 348-8448 or contact us online for a consultation with a Connecticut personal injury lawyer.