Of all the personal injuries cases that are filed each year, only about 5% end up going to trial. That means a lot of negotiations are done behind the scene before a settlement can be decided on.
If you've been personally injured in an accident, there are things you can do to get the highest personal injury compensation.
Read on for our top 10 tips for maximizing compensation in personal injuries cases.
Request a Police Report
If you are involved in an accident that results in personal injury, contact the authorities and get them to the scene. Request that they fill out a police report so you can have professional documentation of the accident.
Get Medical Attention Immediately
The best thing to do is to have medical treatment officials arrive directly to the scene. That way, you can have your injuries evaluated immediately and receive care as quickly as possible. This also reflects favorably on you in personal injuries cases, since it shows you took quick measures to take care of yourself.
Maintain a Strict Treatment Schedule
If you're receiving extended medical treatment, be sure to diligently stick to your schedule. Don't miss any appointments, as this can hurt your case down the line.
Create a Thorough Record of the Incident
When dealing with personal injuries cases, it's very important for you to build a record of the incident for yourself. That way, you have a backup for all your claims when you take the case to court.
Here are some general guidelines for what to include in your records:
- Take lots of photos of your injuries, any possible damages to property, and any other relevant details of the scene. Be sure they are as bright and clear as possible. Avoid using flash unless absolutely necessary.
- Talk to witnesses and get their contact information. That way, you'll be able to contact them and have a record for the courts as well.
- Get a copy of the police report. This will help you and your lawyer have a clear idea of the official incident details.
The more details and evidence you have, the stronger your case is. Don't trust anyone else to do the work for you. By maintaining your own concrete case file adds a great deal of value to personal injuries cases.
Choose a Lawyer Who Specializes in Personal Injuries Cases
There are plenty of lawyers out there, but a few of them actually specialize in personal injuries cases.
In order to get the most expert advice, The Law Offices of Ronald J. Resmini recommend hiring a lawyer who specializes in personal injuries cases. They'll be able to help you maximize the personal injury settlement amounts from your case.
Don't Let Opposing Insurance Companies Swindle You
If you're dealing with the defendant's insurance company, they're going to try and trip you up in order to get the case in their favor. Their job is to pay out as little as possible, and you better believe they have tricks to do it.
In order to avoid being tricked by the opposing insurance company, here are a few basic rules:
- Always hire a lawyer. They are trained to navigate the laws and get you a settlement that you wouldn't otherwise get on your own.
- Do not allow your statement to be recorded under any circumstances. This can very easily be used against you during court proceedings.
- Do not get interviewed without your lawyer present. Most agents will phrase their questions in ways that can trick you into discrediting yourself or your case. Your lawyer can stop this before it happens.
The bottom line is not to deal with insurance claims without legal assistance. By not falling for their tricks, you can maximize the settlement from personal injuries cases.
Don't Talk About the Accident
Until all court proceedings are completed, it's best not to talk about personal injuries cases. Anything you say can be twisted and used against you by the opposing side. You could also be discredited if you react too emotionally in public.
It is also especially important that you don't talk about any case details on social media. The rise of digital life has taught us a lot, but it's not appropriate here. Not only does it reflect poorly on you as a plaintiff, but it can also muddy the details of what happened.
Keep a Diary of the Aftermath
In addition to your records of the incident details, you should also keep a diary of all the events resulting from the aftermath. Personal injuries cases don't end with the initial incident; they actually go on for a long time afterward.
Think about all the ways this case has affected your life. It's important to keep a day-by-day record in order to maximize your personal injury compensation.
Here are some things you should be keeping track of after the incident:
- Pain and suffering. How have your injuries made your daily life more difficult?
- Medical visits and procedures. Record every visit and every procedure, as well as the costs associated with it.
- Lost wages. Were you out of the job due to your injury? Be sure to thoroughly document all the wages that were lost in the meantime.
By keeping a detailed account of all the pain and costs associated with your injury, you create a compelling argument for more compensation from your case. The more thorough your record is, the more likely you'll be to receive your maximum settlement account.
Be Firm and Patient
Personal injuries cases don't get resolved right away. You may be anxious to receive your personal injury compensation, but don't rush the process. You shouldn't accept the first offer you get, either.
Don't Wait Too Long to File Your Claim
Statute of Limitations laws limits your time to file a case after an incident occurs. If you wait too long to pursue legal action, you could end up paying for your injuries out-of-pocket.
In order to get the highest settlement amount from personal injuries cases, you have to start the process as soon as you possibly can. That way, you can avoid running out of time to file your claim.
Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer Today
If you've been involved in an accident that resulted in personal injury, don't take on your case alone. By seeking the expert advice of attorneys who specialize in personal injuries cases, you can maximize your potential settlement amount.
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