Many Chinese or Asian families avoid filing for compensation because of multiple reasons:
- They are unaware of the US law
- Their fear of going to court
- Fear of losing their immigration status
- Language barrier
Where these reasons are authentic and eligible, these families forget to understand that asking for compensation is their legal right.
Many of these families do a lot of things that can have an adverse effect on their claim. This guide will not only highlight all of these mistakes but will also provide you with steps to avoid making such mistakes. So keep on reading.
Not Seeking Immediate Medical Attention
Underestimating Injuries
Underestimating the injuries is something many people commonly do, especially Chinese or Asian families. They think it is not essential if a problem has no sudden effects. However, getting medical help for any injuries after an accident is necessary.
Many injuries can develop after some time, leaving long-term effects.
How This Hurts Your Claim
When you delay getting diagnosed for an injury caused by an accident, it seriously affects your case. This is because insurance companies often try to get out of paying compensation.
They find a way to avoid paying up. When families avoid getting a complete diagnosis after an accident, it gives insurance companies an edge to claim that the injury wasn’t caused by the accident.
How to Avoid This Mistake
Making sure to get compensated for your injuries is very important. Always make sure to get a complete medical diagnosis after an accident. This will help you rule out all the noticeable or long-term unnoticeable problems. When meeting up with a medical expert, it is essential to document all your appointments.
Having all the medical and other accident-related documents on you automatically makes your case strong.
Avoiding Legal Help
Trusting Insurance Companies Too Much
Most Asian or Chinese companies put too much trust in their insurance providers, which might not work out in their favor. The reason behind it is the same as mentioned earlier: that insurance companies try their best to get out of paying up. They try to look for loopholes to decrease or altogether avoid giving compensation.
Most insurance providers also take advantage of these immigrants because they have little to no knowledge of US law.
Not Hiring a Lawyer Early Enough
Also, waiting for too long or trying to do everything on your own can have an adverse effect on your case. You may end up losing data or even missing out on things an expert might never miss. So contact a personal injury lawyer before it is too late.
How to Avoid This Mistake
A personal injury lawyer in Montgomery can significantly help you with your case. These experts not only have in-depth knowledge of the law but also know how these insurance companies work.
Especially finding a lawyer who understands your language as an Asian or Chinese immigrant is essential. This is because a lot can be misplaced in translation. However, if you have a lawyer who understands you and your language, they can help you convey your problem better.
Accepting a Low Settlement Too Quickly
Fear of Legal Complications
In many traditional Chinese or Asaina families, going to court or fighting for your own rights is considered a waste of time. They may settle for low offers or might not ask for compensation a lot. This is primarily caused by their fear of prolonged court visits, legal fees, or even the fear of losing their immigration status.
How This Hurts Your Claim
This can hurt your case because if you do not raise your voice for one problem, you can not raise your voice for something similar again. Also, if you do go after your right, however, you settle for low offers, you can not go back and ask for more again.
How to Avoid This Mistake
Accepting the first offer from the insurance company is always a mistake. When insurance companies make the first offer, it’s always the lowest one. They try to get you to settle for less so they don’t have to pay much. Make sure to consider all the present and future factors like:
- Medical costs
- Lost wages, etc.
Not Keeping Proper Documentation
Failing to Collect Evidence
Failing to collect evidence can be the biggest reason why you don’t get compensation from insurance companies. Insurance companies are constantly finding ways to get out of such situations, so they use anything they can.
How This Hurts Your Claim
Having a lack of evidence will make your case harder to win and more faulty. It will become hard for you to prove whose fault it was and on what basis you should be compensated. Your word alone is not enough for insurance companies.
How to Avoid This Mistake
To avoid not getting compensated, always make sure to have all the evidence at hand. This evidence can be anything that proves your innocence, such as:
- Car details
- Insurance details
- Copy of police report
- Other driver’s details
- Details of witnesses present at the accident
- Pictures of both of the vehicles
- Photos of the place of the accident
Not Understanding Legal Deadlines
Missing the Statute of Limitations
Making sure to file for compensation before the legal deadline is very important. The question arises of what a legal deadline is.
The legal deadline tells you the time during which you can file for compensation. In Alabama, you can file for compensation until within two years of the accident.
How This Hurts Your Claim
If you file for compensation after the statute of limitation has ended, your request is automatically denied. This means after the legal deadline, your insurance providers are legally not obliged to compensate you for the accident.
How to Avoid This Mistake
It is very important not to make the mistake of missing your legal deadline. This is why you should contact Micheal Hua Injury Firm for free legal consultation today!
Not Considering Future Damages
Only Focusing on Immediate Costs
Most families only look at the current effects of the accident, such as vehicle repair costs or medical costs. However, they forget to consider the long-term effects of such an accident. These long-term events can be:
- Rehabilitation
- Lost wages
- Emotional distress, etc.
How This Hurts Your Claim
Forgetting future damages can leave families stranded under bills forever. Medical expenses may rise over time. This is why considering all aspects before settling for an offer is very important.
How to Avoid This Mistake
Making sure to avoid such distress is very important. Having a skilled personal injury lawyer in Montgomery, Alabama, can work out in your favor. So, sit with your lawyer and calculate potential damages before accepting a settlement.
After reading this blog, you will have a clear idea of all the mistakes you should avoid in personal injury claims. Make sure to do your research and have an expert by your side if you want to file for compensation.
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