Seven Common Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Accident Case

Mistake 1: Giving a statement to the other driver’s insurance company.  Giving them a statement will give the other insurance company more reasons to reduce the amount of money they will pay you.

Mistake 2: Waiting to seek medical treatment, or not following your doctor’s orders.  A jury and insurance company are more likely to take a doctor’s word on how injured you are than your own word.  Avoiding treatment will not help you get more money in your personal injury case.

Mistake 3: Lying to your doctor…or to anyone else.  You must be absolutely honest when dealing with insurance companies, courts and lawyers about all aspects of your case.

Mistake 4: Going to a bad doctor.  A large value of your claim lies with your doctor, so it is important to find a good one who can help your case and not hurt it.

Mistake 5: Not preserving evidence or documenting damages.  When in an accident, gathering as much evidence as possible will help your claim later on.  The accident scene should be photographed and all injuries noted.  If you aren’t able to document the damages, ask a friend or family member to do it or hire a private investigator.

Mistake 6:  Not telling your lawyer about other injuries and accidents. You need to be honest and open with your attorney about any previous things such as your criminal history, prior injuries and accidents, injuries after the accident, bankruptcy and divorce.

Mistake 7: Having low UIM coverage.  UIM stands for underinsured motorist coverage and every driver in Oregon is required to have at least $25,000 in UIM coverage.  It is worth it to have a higher UIM limit on your policy in the event an accident does occur.