March Madness: The Personal Injury Mistakes Bracket

By Eugene Bruno on February 26, 2025

March is here, and the excitement of March Madness is in full swing! As basketball fans are filling out their brackets, we’re doing something a little different—we’re hosting our very own Personal Injury Mistakes Bracket! This bracket isn’t about basketball teams. We’re looking at the biggest mistakes people make when trying to deal with a personal injury case on their own and how those mistakes can end up costing a lot of money.

Personal injury cases can be complex; even a seemingly small misstep can lead to big problems. So, while you’re cheering on your favorite teams, take a moment to think about your personal injury case—and whether you might be making one of these common mistakes!

Round 1: The Early Mistakes

MISTAKE #1: Failing to Seek Immediate Medical Treatment

VS.

MISTAKE #2: Not Documenting What Happened

Failing to Seek Immediate Medical Treatment

After an accident, many people make the mistake of thinking they’re “fine.” They may not feel any pain because their adrenaline is pumping. Plus, many injuries, like whiplash, concussions, or fractures, do not show symptoms immediately.

However, failing to seek medical treatment can hurt your case by making it harder to prove these injuries were from the crash. Always get checked out by a doctor. It’s simply better to be safe than sorry!

Not Documenting What Happened

You need to be able to prove your case! This means you shouldn’t leave the scene without taking photos of the damage to both vehicles, the license plate of the other vehicle, the other driver’s license and insurance info, and even the intersection or place where it happened. This kind of documentation makes it easier to prove the cause of the accident and who was responsible.

And the Winner Is: Failing to Seek Immediate Medical Treatment

Cases without documentation at the scene can be challenging, but they’re not impossible to win. In most cases, your attorney can investigate and gather enough information after the fact to hold the defendant accountable. However, if you fail to get prompt medical attention, it may be more difficult to establish that your injuries were caused by the crash.

Round 2: The Communication Pitfalls

MISTAKE #3: Admitting Fault at the Scene

VS.

MISTAKE #4: Talking to an Insurance Adjuster Without a Lawyer

Admitting Fault at the Scene

After an accident, many people feel pressured to apologize or admit fault, even if it wasn’t their fault. Simply being nice and saying “I’m sorry” or “I didn’t see you” could be interpreted as an admission of guilt. If you’re involved in an accident, avoid admitting fault. It’s fine to ask the other person if they’re OK, but let your attorney handle the communication with the other party and their insurance company about what happened.

Talking to an Insurance Adjuster Without a Lawyer

Insurance adjusters are trained to try to settle with you quickly, and they often offer low ball settlements at a time when it is too early to really know what you deserve. Talking to an adjuster without a lawyer will definitely hurt your case. Having an experienced personal injury attorney by your side ensures that your rights are protected and that you get the compensation you deserve.

And the Winner Is: Talking to an Insurance Adjuster Without a Lawyer

Getting talked into a lowball settlement is the worst thing you can do for your case. If you’re talking to an insurance adjuster without an attorney, you are a sitting duck. That’s exactly why insurance adjusters are trained to try to convince you that you don’t need a lawyer! When an insurance adjuster tells you that you don’t need an attorney, YOU NEED AN ATTORNEY! Hang up with the adjusters and dial 1-888-BRUNO-88 (1-888-278-6688) to speak with the lawyers at Eugene Bruno & Associates right away for legitimate legal guidance!

Round 3: The Legal Process Blunders

MISTAKE #5: Delaying Legal Action 

VS.

MISTAKE #6: Not Keeping Detailed Records
of Injuries

Delaying Legal Action

Watching the clock is critical when it comes to filing a personal injury claim. The statute of limitations sets deadlines for how long you have to take legal action after an injury. Basically, if you miss the deadline, you lose your right to seek compensation.

These deadlines can be complicated, and even more, there are a lot of exceptions to the general rule. This is enough reason for you to not wait to consult a lawyer. Delaying action can kill your case.

Not Keeping Detailed Records of Injuries

Keeping detailed records is vital. This includes medical records, notes on how the injury affects your daily life, time you may have to take off work, and any out-of-pocket costs you incur. Without proper documentation, it’s much harder to negotiate a fair settlement.

And the Winner Is: Delaying Legal Action

If you’ve gotten prompt and consistent medical treatment for your injuries, your medical records may be all that you need. However, delaying your case could result in losing your chance to ever be compensated. Don’t delay: talk to an attorney right away.

Round 4: The Settlement Decisions

MISTAKE #7: Settling Too Quickly 

VS.

MISTAKE #8: Not Understanding the Full
Impact of Injuries

Settling Too Quickly

It’s tempting to accept the first settlement offer that comes your way, especially if you’re anxious to put the crash behind you and move on. However, that could be a mistake.

Often, initial settlement offers are “low balls,” meaning they’re much lower than what you’re truly entitled to. Accepting an offer too soon could leave you with too little to pay for medical bills and lost wages.

Don’t settle until you’ve had a chance to assess the full extent of your injuries and understand the full impact of your injuries on your life, health, and finances.

Not Understanding the Full Impact of Injuries

There is no crystal ball to determine how long you will take to recover from your injuries. Some injuries can have long-lasting effects that aren’t immediately obvious. If you don’t take the time to fully understand how your injury will affect you long-term—physically, emotionally, and financially—you’ll likely settle for less than what you deserve. Consulting with medical experts and legal professionals can help you understand the full impact of your injury before you make any decisions.

And the Winner Is: Settling Too Soon

You’re not a medical doctor, so it’s understandable that you may not know how your injuries may affect you in the future. But settling your case too soon, at a time when you may not know all the facts about how your injuries may affect your future, could be catastrophic. You only have one chance to settle your case, so don’t rush into it. Make sure that you take your time and talk to an attorney to understand your rights.

Round 5: The Big Decision

MISTAKE #9: Failing to Hire an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer

VS.

MISTAKE #10:

Choosing to Represent Yourself in Court

Failing to Hire an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer

Navigating a personal injury case without the help of an experienced attorney can be risky. Personal injury law is complex, and insurance companies will often try to take advantage of unrepresented claimants who don’t know the rules of the claims process. An experienced attorney knows the law and will hold the insurance company accountable for getting you the compensation you deserve.

Choosing to Represent Yourself in Court

Representing yourself in a personal injury lawsuit is rarely a good idea. The court system can be difficult to navigate, and without a lawyer, you risk making costly mistakes. A personal injury attorney can ensure that your case is presented effectively and help you avoid errors that could derail your case.

And the Winner Is…

There are no winners here, only losers! Don’t be a loser: you need an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer on your side. Whether you’re headed to court or trying to settle your case out of court, you can depend on the experience and knowledge of a lawyer to ensure that you get what you deserve.

Avoid Mistakes, Maximize Your Recovery

The mistakes people make in personal injury cases can have serious consequences. Whether it’s failing to seek immediate medical treatment, settling too quickly, or choosing to represent yourself in court, every mistake can weaken your case. Avoiding these common pitfalls can help ensure that you get the compensation you deserve for what you’re going through.

Don’t let mistakes derail your personal injury case. If you’ve been injured in an accident, consult with one of the experienced injury attorneys at Eugene Bruno & Associates. We can guide you through the process and help you avoid these common mistakes. By doing so, you can protect your rights and increase your chances of a successful outcome.

Call our San Diego law firm at 1-888-BRUNO-88 (1-888-278-6688) for a free consultation—let’s see what we can do to help.