Most people don’t start their day expecting to suffer an injury, much less that they will have to talk to a lawyer. And when you’re feeling sore or shaken up after an accident, it is easy to convince yourself that your injury is not “serious enough” to worry about.
That indecisiveness is completely normal. But it can also backfire if the injury turns out to be much more serious. Below, this personal injury attorney in Winter Haven, Florida is going to explain some signs that your injury might be more serious than it seems.
1. You need more medical care.
One of the first signs that your injury is serious is when your medical care starts adding up. For example, when you have already seen more than one doctor or you have needed follow-up appointments or X-rays/MRIs.
This is where an experienced personal injury attorney in Winter Haven, Florida can help you. They can review your medical timeline and make sure that your treatment is properly documented.
2. Your injury is affecting your daily life.
Some injuries start small and then slowly start interfering with your daily life. For example, you may have difficulty sleeping or experience intense pain while doing normal household chores. These changes may not be obvious to others, but they are clear signs that the injury is impacting your life.
This kind of disruption is a major factor in personal injury cases. When an injury keeps you from living your normal life, the law recognizes that loss.
At this point, you are going to want to have a lawyer on your side. An experienced personal injury lawyer can explain how your everyday struggles impact the value of your claim. They can also communicate that clearly to the insurance company.
3. The insurance company is questioning your injury.
Even if the person who caused the accident seemed apologetic at the scene, the situation can change once their insurance company is involved. Insurance companies question almost everything because they want to pay you as little as possible.
So, if they start challenging your symptoms or if they give you a surprisingly low payment, consider that a sign that they see potential risk on their end. In other words, your claim may be worth more than they want to admit.
Your lawyer can handle the back-and-forth and push back against pressure tactics. They will make sure the insurance company treats you fairly.
4. The first settlement offer is too low.
Insurance companies tend to offer an initial settlement amount well below what your claim is worth. They do this because they know you are stressed and eager for closure.
But settling too soon is not a good idea. You may not yet be fully aware of your long-term medical needs. And once you accept their offer, you can’t ask for more.
Your personal injury attorney can review that first offer and tell you what it may be missing, like future treatment costs or the impact the injury has had on your daily life. They can also tell you if it is too soon to settle and help you pursue a fair amount that covers your actual losses.
What happens if you wait too long to call a lawyer?
Important evidence like video footage from nearby cameras or witness memories can fade or disappear. These details can be crucial when proving what happened.
On top of that, there are legal deadlines that you must consider. In Florida, most personal injury cases must be filed within two years. Miss that window and you will lose your right to pursue compensation entirely.
So even if you are not fully convinced about the seriousness of your injury, contact a lawyer sooner rather than later. A personal injury attorney in Winter Haven, Florida can collect evidence before it is lost and make sure your medical treatment is fully documented.
Looking for a personal injury attorney in Winter Haven, Florida?
If you want to learn whether your injury is serious enough for a claim, do not hesitate to contact an experienced personal injury attorney in Winter Haven, Florida. At Tonya Stewart Law PA, our legal team will review your claim and explain what you may be entitled to. Contact us today at (863) 279-4473 to discuss your case.