Personal injury claims can be innately complex compared to other types of claims.
What you do after the accident will affect your chances of getting justice.
Now, a lot of factors such as economic damages and lost wages, pain and suffering, medical examination, and the likes come to play.
This makes winning or receiving maximum compensation for a claim quite a lengthy and complicated process that can only be achieved with the help of a skilled attorney.
Let us look at some useful tips to help you get maximum compensation for your claim.
Gather and preserve evidence
For starters, having good evidence is your number one ticket to getting maximum claim compensation.
The evidence you present helps to detail the severity of the accident, which will help your lawyer build a strong case.
It’s recommended to start the process immediately after the accident to avoid any type of tampering.
Types of evidence to collect:
- Physical evidence- Tangible or visible items like plate number or cracks, etc.
- Police report- Notify the police immediately when the accident occurs. They will document with a report of what happened
- Witness statements- record witness statements and get contact information in case of trial
- Photography and video evidence- record the area and accident scene
Tips:
- Do not wipe off or clean tangible items. Store them in their original state
- Do not post statements and evidence collected online or on social media pages.
Get medical examinations and reports
This is another crucial element in personal injury claim settlements.
Medical reports from your doctor will help your personal injury attorney prove that you are entitled to recover from the pain, and mental anguish suffered from the accident.
A well-documented medical report allows you to claim for damages that will aid uninterrupted medical care.
Tip:
- Present medical bills, prescriptions, statements, receipts, discharge information, and receipts from hospitals to your lawyer.
Don’t be too quick to accept or decline an offer
After an accident, there are too many emotions involved, and sometimes you might find yourself accepting the first offer on the table to move away from everything.
On the other hand, you might reject an offer because you do not understand matters settlement.
To be on the safe side, you need to work with an attorney who is rational and will fight for your case with no mixed feelings.
Hire a Skilled Attorney
Again, the best way to get maximum claim settlement is to hire a skilled personal injury attorney.
Yes, find an attorney with a track record in the accident you suffered to help build your case.
Let your personal injury claim attorney know how the accident has affected your life, but ensure that you are honest about it.
Please note that pain and suffering are not confined to discomfort and pain.
It also factors in detrimental effects that you are likely to suffer in the future.
For instance, you might find yourself struggling with eating, sleeping, or mentally distressed, plus you can lose your income.
You should perhaps keep a journal to document the pain and suffering as you progress with treatment and the case.
The sooner you file, the better
One of the hindrances to maximum claim compensation is the time taken to file.
For every type of accident, there is a state law that stipulates a deadline for filing a case and going to court.
Although accidents may linger for weeks and months or even years, it is essential to file immediately so as not to miss the deadlines.
Additionally, filing a case immediately allows you to collect evidence formally, which can be used to build your case.
It also sends a signal to the party you are suing.
Listen to your attorney
The frustration that comes with accidents can be a daunting experience.
You might find yourself doing the opposite of what your lawyer recommends because you feel overwhelmed or angry with the process.
For example, you could find yourself venting on social media or posting evidence because of a bad experience you have had.
However, such acts could jeopardize your case.
No matter the circumstances, you should listen to your attorney to enjoy a smooth process and maximum claim.
Doing the contrary could lead to a breach of contract or little to no compensation.
In Summary…
Remember, every party will think of their interest when it comes to personal injury cases.
Settling with them might seem easy but might not guarantee maximum compensation.
The best approach is to consult with a top personal injury attorney to assess your case and advice on the proper cause of action.
You should also play your part to ensure you get justice for the damages incurred in the accident.