After being involved in an auto accident, you may have sustained injuries that are not only keeping you out of work, but could also lead to a lifetime of struggles. Because of this, you may have already filed a personal injury claim with your and the other party's insurance company. However, after you have filed, you need to make sure you avoid the following mistakes that could work against you receiving the amount you deserve.

1.  Accepting the First Settlement the Insurance Company Offers You

Especially in the days following the accident, you feel as though you are caught in a whirlwind. Not only are you having to deal with the pain and suffering caused by your injuries, but you will also be receiving phone calls from both your and the other person's insurance companies.

During one of those phone calls, the other party's insurance adjuster may try offering you an early settlement. And, since your financial situation may be at the forefront of your worries, you may be tempted to accept it.

However, you should never accept the first settlement that the insurance company offers you. If you do, they will no longer be liable for any other payments, including any medical expenses that you accrue.

You will need to give it time to know the full extent of your injuries, so you need to wait. You should also seriously consider consulting with a lawyer to have them speak on your behalf and deal with the insurance companies.

2.  Missing Your Doctor and Therapy Appointments

At the time of the accident, you probably went to the emergency room and even visited a doctor afterward to have them continue your treatment. They may have prescribed physical therapy and expect you to attend and visit the doctor's office for regular appointments.

It is crucial that you do not miss any of these appointments unless you have a very good reason, such as being sick. If you regularly miss your appointments, the insurance company may try to say that your injuries are not that severe. This could lead to a decreased claim amount or even a denial.

Avoiding the above mistakes after filing your claim can help increase your chances of receiving the compensation amount you feel you deserve. However, even if the process of filing the claim seems straight forward, there are many intricacies that you will need to navigate, so it is better not to try to go through it alone. Contact an injury attorney to discuss your case and the possibility of having them represent you.