Top Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit
Suffering an injury is stressful enough—dealing with the legal aftermath shouldn’t make it worse. Filing a personal injury lawsuit can help you recover compensation, but the process is full of pitfalls that could cost you time, money, and peace of mind. At the Law Offices of Alex M. Sonson, we’ve seen it all. From paperwork slip-ups to missed deadlines, the mistakes people make after an accident can make or break a case.
If you’re considering legal action, knowing what not to do is just as important as understanding what steps to take. This guide outlines the top mistakes to avoid and how working with the expert personal injury attorney can make a major difference.
1. Delaying Medical Treatment
After an accident, some people try to tough it out and skip the doctor. Big mistake. Not only does this jeopardize your health, but it also weakens your case. Insurance companies love to argue that if you didn’t seek treatment right away, your injury wasn’t serious.
Getting prompt medical attention documents your injuries and ties them directly to the accident—a crucial part of the personal injury settlement process.
2. Not Collecting Evidence Early
Photos fade, memories blur, and witnesses disappear. Failing to collect evidence as soon as possible is a common error. Snap photos of the scene, gather contact info from witnesses and keep all medical records and bills. Strong documentation gives your case the backbone it needs.
At the Law Offices of Alex M. Sonson, we help clients organize and preserve evidence from day one.
3. Talking Too Freely to Insurance Adjusters
Insurance adjusters may seem friendly, but they aren’t on your side. Their job is to minimize the payout. Many injured people make the mistake of giving recorded statements or signing documents without legal advice. One wrong word can be twisted against you.
It’s best to let a personal injury lawyer in Hawaii speak on your behalf. We deal with insurers all the time and know how to protect your rights.
4. Settling Too Quickly
Injuries take time to reveal their full impact. Some people jump at the first settlement offer just to move on. But once you accept, there’s no going back—even if new medical bills pop up.
The personal injury compensation Hawaii victims deserve often requires patience and negotiation. We fight to ensure our clients don’t leave money on the table.
5. Trying to Handle It Alone
This is probably the biggest mistake. Personal injury law is complex, especially when dealing with insurers, deadlines, and court filings. Without proper legal help, you could lose your right to fair compensation.
Working with the trusted personal injury law firm—like the Law Offices of Alex M. Sonson—means you’ll have seasoned advocates guiding you every step of the way. Whether you need a personal accident lawyer for a car crash or a personal accident attorney for a slip and fall, we’ve got your back.
6. Missing the Filing Deadline
Hawaii has strict deadlines for personal injury claims. Miss the statute of limitations, and your case might be tossed out—no matter how strong it is. This is one of the most common mistakes in injury claims, and it’s completely avoidable.
Our team ensures all paperwork is filed on time and in the right court, so you don’t lose your chance at justice.
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7. Not Getting a Free Consultation
Some people hesitate to speak to a lawyer because they’re afraid it’ll be expensive. Here’s the good news: A personal injury lawyer consultation at our office is always free. That means you can get honest legal advice without paying a dime upfront.
The Law Offices of Alex M. Sonson, known as one of the certified lawyers for personal injury cases in Hawaii, offers straightforward guidance from the very beginning.
FAQs
- How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Hawaii?
You generally have two years from the date of the injury. However, it’s best to consult a Hawaii personal injury attorney as soon as possible to avoid any surprises.
- What damages can I recover in a personal injury case?
You may be entitled to medical costs, lost wages, impairment, and more. Every case is different, so results vary.
- Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault?
Yes. Hawaii follows a comparative negligence rule. You can still recover damages as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault.
- How much is my case worth?
It depends on several factors like the severity of your injury, the impact on your life, and available insurance coverage. We help you assess a fair value during your consultation.
- What if the insurance company offers a quick settlement?
Never accept a settlement without reviewing it with your personal accident attorney. Quick offers are often lowball attempts to close the case cheaply.
Reach Out To Us Today!
Filing a personal injury lawsuit is a big step—and avoiding costly mistakes can be the difference between winning fair compensation or walking away empty-handed. Whether you’re just starting the process or dealing with delays, the Law Offices of Alex M. Sonson is here to help.
We’re proud to be recognized as a top personal injury lawyer in Hawaii, offering clear legal support to those who need it most. Don’t risk your future. Reach out to us today for a free personal injury lawyer consultation and let us fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call now or fill out our online form to get started.
