It’s hard to overstate the impact personal injuries can have on your life. You might be unable to work, unable to engage in activities you once loved and faced with ongoing physical and mental pain. Throw in the sky-high cost of medical treatment and you wouldn’t wish this experience on your worst enemy.
Unfortunately, these incidents account for almost 25 million emergency department visits in America every year. Have you suffered in a similar way? Well, if you’ve decided to file a personal injury claim, you’ll want to do everything possible to maximize your personal injury compensation.
Don’t, and you may leave money on the table that’d be invaluable to your recovery. Want some expert advice to help you avoid that fate? You’re in the right place!
Today we’re going through 6 proven personal injury claim tips that should ensure you receive the amount of compensation you deserve.
1. Act Fast
Entering legal proceedings may be the last thing on your mind when you’ve just been injured. Many people are in a state of shock, processing the incident and its implications. You might even be in hospital, receiving treatment, and focused on getting better.
Try not to wait too long before filing your claim though. Why? Because expedience is essential to the success of your case.
Many states have time-limits in place in which you have to act. Miss these deadlines and you could also miss out on the compensation your injury warrants. We recommend acting fast and arranging legal counsel ASAP to begin proceedings.
2. Seek Medical Support
Now’s not the time to grit your teeth and walk it off. If you’ve been injured and are in any kind of pain, then it’s imperative that you seek medical treatment. See your doctor, tell them about anything wrong, ask for an assessment, and access the interventions you need.
This is a crucial step. Not only will it help you recover from your injury, but it’ll also provide medical records to support your claim. It’s harder for guilty parties and insurance companies to accuse you of crying wolf in the face of these kinds of professional documents.
It’s also worth keeping in mind that some injuries have a delayed onset. Just because you feel okay now doesn’t mean you will next week, next month, or in a decade’s time! At the very least, visiting the doctor after an accident will leave a paper trail to link your future ailments with the event.
3. Write Everything Down
Providing accurate statements and testimonies long after the incident isn’t easy. You’re forced to rely on old memories made in the heat of the moment, at a traumatic time when reality may have distorted and shock set in. The last thing you want is to forget something that could have helped your case!
That’s why we recommend keeping a diary of events. Write down everything that happened as soon as you get a chance. Jot down the details of the incident, including the lead-up to it, the aftermath, and the names of people who were present.
Don’t stop there. Continue updating this written record as the weeks and months go by. Write about the physical problems and the mental/emotional strain; the doctor’s visits, recommendations, and treatments you’ve received.
4. Collect and Preserve Evidence
Evidence is everything when it comes to maximizing your personal injury compensation. Trust us, insurance companies will do anything in their power to offer you as little money as possible! You’re highly unlikely to receive the pay-out you deserve if there are gaping holes in your story and minimal evidence to support your claim.
Gathering evidence starts at the scene of the incident. If you have the chance, try taking photos of the location, the effects of the event, and the damages that occurred. Collecting statements and contact information from witnesses will help too, as will calling the emergency services and giving a statement to the police.
Police reports, photos, witness statements, and medical report(s) will help validate your claim to a jury if/when the case goes to trial. The more evidence you can collect, the better!
5. Hire a Personal Injury Attorney
One of the most effective ways to secure a significant pay-out is to work with a legal professional. Don’t, and you’re left to navigate the complex legal system alone. Expect stress, confusion, and expensive mistakes to follow!
By contrast, a high-quality PI attorney will guide you through the process from start to finish. They’ll help you a) file your claim, b) put the case together, and c) receive a fair amount of compensation. Speak to loved ones, read online reviews, and learn more here to find the best possible personal injury lawyer.
6. Don’t Accept the Initial Offer
Treat your claim like a negotiation. At a car dealership, for example, you wouldn’t accept a vendor’s first price, right?
You’d barter with them and try talking them down in a bid to save money.
Alas, this approach is easier said than done when it comes to compensation. It’s always tempting to accept an insurer’s initial offer! After all, you might feel out of your depth and concerned about receiving a lower pay-out in the future if you reject this one.
Waiting for a better offer might feel like a gamble, but it’s usually the best way to maximize your personal injury compensation. Remember, insurance companies want to settle the case for the lowest possible amount of money! Call their bluff, consult with your attorney, and you could receive far more down the line.
Time to Maximize Your Personal Injury Compensation
The aftermath of any personal injury can be riddled with stress, pain, and disruption. That’s why it’s so important to maximize your personal injury compensation! Having been through a traumatic incident, it’s only fair that you’re awarded a fair sum of money to cover the full extent of the costs involved with your recovery.
With any luck, the tips in this article will help you do exactly that. To continue your education on this important topic, browse the ‘Personal Injury’ section of the website now.
