While no one expects all of us to have the expertise of an Indianapolis personal injury attorney - that’s why it’s so important to hire such an attorney if you’ve been injured - there is a certain level of knowledge that is very helpful for all. Remember, it CAN happen to you, so be prepared and avoid these common personal injury mistakes:

1) Not seeing the doctor if you are in pain following your accident. It seems like a no-brainer (spoiler alert - most of the mistakes on this list do) - you get hurt and are in pain: you see the doctor. However, it’s not always that easy. For many of us, a doctor visit unless absolutely necessary is a significant financial hardship. However, the importance of professional medical documentation of your injuries cannot be overemphasized in substantiating your case. If a doctor visit presents a financial hardship for you, discuss the situation with your Indianapolis personal injury lawyer.

2) Not following your doctors instructions. Should have the wherewithal and financial ability to visit a doctor regarding your injuries, there is no more effective way to undermine the benefits of your visit - both to your health and your pending case - than by ignoring your physicians directions. Discuss concerns openly with your doctor and attempt to reach an understanding or compromise, rather than ignore his/her instructions.

3) Failing to keep your doctor’s appointments. Any good doctor will expect follow-up appointments to monitor the progress of your healing. Legally, this adds another dimension to the medical support for your injuries and therefore claims to damages. Documentation of your injuries at different appointments, through time, lends additional credence to your claims.

4) Discussing your case with anyone other than your attorney or your doctor. While there is healing to be found in opening up about what you’ve been through, and while we’re not advocating repression or paranoia, watch who you talk to. The more times you discuss you case with various people, the more likely it is that the events can become skewed or jumbled (by you or, more likely, by the person you are talking to). This only serves to weaken your case, which is strongest with information only from those directly involved: you, any defendant(s), the doctor who examined your injuries.

5) Failure to report medical problems/issues/complications resulting from the accident. This may refer to indirect or psychological injuries (insomnia, anxiety, etc) or conditions with a delayed set-in (neck pain that develops several weeks after a car accident). Often times, clients are hesitant to report such items, but any and all injuries stemming from your accident must be considered in your case, regardless of thier nature or when they developed.

It is obvious from this list how important medical attention is regarding your case, as well as openness and honesty about your injuries. Be sure to avoid these mistakes as well as the mistake of NOT contacting a Fort Wayne personal injury attorney and law firm ASAP after your accident.

If you or a loved one is in need of legal assistance, call C. Dennis Wegner & Associates at (317) 576-0066 or toll free (800) 266-LAWS or submit an online questionnaire. The initial consultation is free of charge, and if we agree to handle your case, we will work on a contingency fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if there is a monetary recovery of funds. In many cases, a lawsuit must be filed before an applicable expiration date, known as a statute of limitations. Please call right away to ensure that you do not waive your right to possible compensation.