9 irrefutable measures worth taking to help you win your personal injury claim
If you want to improve your chances of getting the best results for your injury claim, below are ten hot tips on what you should consider when filing a personal injury claim.
1) Seek professional advice
If you sustain injuries after being involved in an accident, it is advisable to seek a doctor’s diagnosis and a legal professional’s advice before proceeding with filing a claim. Taking such measures will help with your chances of getting the maximum compensation while time stamping the accident for future reference. Of course you can represent yourself, this guide will help you through the process.
Failure to undergo this process might hurt your chances of getting the best possible damages.
Also, note that you should get the name and address of the driver at fault and the vehicle registration number. Try taking photos of the damage caused using your phone and capture any other relevant detail that can be used as evidence in your claim case.
2) Start the claim process immediately
To make the best of a dire situation, you should submit your personal injury claim within the shortest time possible. It is a strategy that ensures the incident’s details are still fresh in your mind and creates a lesser chance of losing any vital facts.
The longer you wait to start the process, the more the odds stack up against your case, and this could lead to challenges that you must overcome when seeking compensation. Moreover, it makes the process to drag therein, worsening your financial woes.
3) Watch what you say or share
Avoid conversing too much when at the scene of the accident. It limits you from making statements that could be used against you, making it difficult to recover the damages you rightly deserve. The law gives you the right to opt not to state the party at fault for the accident or giving any additional information.
It would be best if you also were careful with what you share online on social media outlets. Insurers often view published information in the public domain, meaning they can intercept and use details you, your family, or friends consider casual to discredit your claim.
4) Keep a record of your journey
Keep a record of every detail that could be relevant to the accident because it will be crucial in your claim case. Some of the crucial information to note include diagnosis and treatment reports, medical costs, insurance records, lost wages, and any support, care, and assistance offered by family and friends.
5) Research the legal process and attorney to hire
If the legal process gets a bit confusing, seek professional legal advice regarding the rules that govern claim cases in your region since they differ from state to state. It would help if you strived to acquire basic guidelines to guide you on what to do through the process, making it less of a hustle.
Keep in mind that personal injury lawyers differ in their professional capacities. Some are a jack of all trades, and it would be wise to settle for an attorney who specializes in personal injury cases.
6) Understand every documentation before signing
Always take your time and read through each document presented to you regarding the claim. You should ensure that you understand all that is stated in the forms before you sign. Also, be cautious of when and why the paperwork was sent because some can be issues after the incident.
Be wary of any document that suggests or demands you waive your right to an attorney or to absolve the other party of the blame. Take note of funding agreements, making sure you familiarize yourself with the possible deductions before appending your signature.
7) Never agree to the first offer you get from an insurer
It could be that this is your first time going through this kind of a legal matter. In that case, you could be tempted to accept the first settlement offer you receive from the insurance company once they discover you are suing the liable party and seeking compensation.
Do not accept any offers. First, undergo a comprehensive medical exam to determine the extent of your injuries and their impact on your life. Then check with an experienced lawyer to know the best way forward and better the odds of getting full compensation.
8) Avoid settling the claim on your own
Taking on insurance companies when seeking compensation and the related legal process involved can make things complicated, especially if you are unsure what you should do.
Research the lawyer you intend to hire to ensure they have the expertise and reputation for winning. Such an attorney will help you avoid costly mistakes that could hurt your claim case. It is not worth overlooking, more so when the accused party enjoys the legal representation of a seasoned lawyer.
9) Be confident going forward
If you are sure the incident was not your fault, do not feel awkward or ashamed about seeking justice by filing a personal injury claim. Avoid putting it off or getting disheartened by what the liability party says regarding you seeking compensation. Be confident as you seek justice and do as advised by your legal counsel.
