Welcome to the second part of our two-part series on the common mistakes people make when filing personal injury claims.

In part 1, we discussed mistakes such as failing to seek medical attention, not collecting enough evidence, and accepting quick settlements.

We’ll now move in to cover four more common pitfalls and explain how to avoid them.

Whether you're in Ebbw Vale or elsewhere in Wales, avoiding these mistakes can significantly improve your chances of securing compensation for your injuries.

5. Not following your doctor's treatment plan

Failing to follow your doctor’s treatment plan or skipping follow-up appointments is a mistake many claimants make.

Why is this important?

Insurance companies may argue that your injuries aren't as serious as claimed or that you're not doing everything possible to recover. This can reduce the value of your claim.

How to avoid this mistake:

Always follow your doctor’s advice and attend all appointments. Keep detailed records of your treatment, prescriptions, and recovery progress, as these will support your claim.

6. Missing legal deadlines

Personal injury claims in Wales are subject to strict legal deadlines, known as the statute of limitations. Failing to file your claim in time could mean you lose your right to compensation.

Why is this important?

In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to file your personal injury claim. Missing this deadline can result in your claim being dismissed.

How to avoid this mistake:

Don’t wait to take legal action. Contact a personal injury solicitor as soon as possible after your accident to ensure your claim is filed within the legal time limits.

Read: The role of a solicitor in personal injury claims

7. Not hiring a specialist personal injury solicitor

Some people try to handle their personal injury claim on their own, thinking they can save on legal fees. However, personal injury law is complex, and without expert guidance, you could miss out on valuable compensation.

Why is this important?

A solicitor will have the expertise to gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. They’ll also ensure that you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to.

How to avoid this mistake:

Hire a specialist personal injury solicitor with experience in handling cases similar to yours. Most solicitors work on a "no win, no fee" basis, so you won’t have to pay any upfront legal fees.

8. Misjudging the value of your claim

Underestimating or overestimating the value of your claim is another common mistake. Many claimants don’t understand what kinds of compensation they’re entitled to, or they may accept too little due to a lack of expert guidance.

Why is this important?

Your claim’s value includes not only immediate medical expenses but also future costs such as ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, and lost income. Misjudging this can leave you financially burdened in the long term.

How to avoid this mistake:

A personal injury solicitor can help you accurately assess the value of your claim, including both current and future expenses. They’ll also consider non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

Read: Top 3 most common personal injury claims in the UK

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can significantly increase your chances of securing the compensation you deserve for your personal injury claim. Working with an experienced solicitor ensures you navigate the legal process efficiently and avoid costly errors.

At Fonseca Law, we specialise in helping clients throughout Ebbw Vale, South Wales and beyond file successful personal injury claims. If you’ve been injured in an accident, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you avoid these pitfalls.