As unfortunate as it is, accidents are quite common, and they can affect anyone. Those who sustain injuries following an accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence are entitled to get compensation from the wrongdoer or their insurance company.
There are different types of personal injury claims that involve accidents, such as slips and falls, automobile crashes, and defective products. There are specific measures that you can take to increase your chances of getting maximum compensation for your injuries, and here are some expert tips to help you do so.
Seek Medical Attention
When you are injured in an accident, you should prioritize your health and immediately get medical attention. You must first address your injuries and have some time to recover before you rush to file any claim. When you visit a doctor, you will get a medical examination and a report outlining your injuries. A medical report is very important since it determines the compensation that you can get. Failure to get medical attention or to follow the instructions provided by the doctor can reduce the settlement that you can recover.
File a Police Report
If you are involved in an automobile accident, you must report it to the police. You will get a police report that acts as a record of important information concerning the accident. When you file a claim or a lawsuit, a police report is a crucial document that you must have. In the case of workplace injury, you must notify your supervisor and make sure that it is recorded in the accident book.
Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer
Personal injury claims can be complicated since they involve many steps. Aside from the complicated paperwork and negotiations involved, you also have to be aware of your state’s statute of limitations, as it varies in different locations. For instance, the statute of limitations in Spring Hills, Florida is four years from the date of the accident whereas, in Los Angeles, California, it is two years. Therefore, it is a good idea to hire a professional, locally-based lawyer if you have suffered an injury resulting from someone else’s negligence to get the compensation you deserve. Injury attorneys have experience dealing with similar cases, and they also have good negotiating skills that can help you get the maximum settlement. Most reputable law firms do not charge upfront legal fees, which can give you some peace of mind while going through your case.
Document Everything
You must document all the details that can help support your claim. When you are involved in an automobile accident, you can take photos of the damaged vehicles, the accident area, and your injuries. You should also try to get some information from the witnesses, but you need to be careful when speaking with other people since they can use your information against you. Moreover, you must keep an accurate record of all the medical costs and expenses related to your injury.
Negotiate a Settlement
When you have gathered all the necessary evidence that you need to support your case, you should file a compensation claim with the party responsible for your injuries. Filing a claim is different from filing a lawsuit. A claim is a request for settlement for your injuries and most cases are settled out of court as long as both parties reach a mutual agreement. You can recover damages for lost wages, pain and suffering, costs of medical treatment, and loss of quality of life. However, when you are dealing with insurance companies, you need to be cautious and try to protect your interests.
Insurance companies are in business, and they always try to offer claimants less compensation to protect their business interests. The other thing that you should never do when dealing with a compensation claim is to sign any forms or documents that you do not understand. You must always remember to consult your lawyer first before you sign anything. If you fail to reach an agreement with the other party involved, you can then file a lawsuit at the court of law.
Abide by the Filing Deadlines
If you wish to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit, you must do so on time. The statute of limitations spells a specific window period after the accident to file your claim. If the deadline has passed and you have not filed your claim, you may lose your legal right to get compensation for your injuries. As we’ve previously mentioned, the statute of limitations of different injuries or accidents involved in a personal injury case varies depending on your state so, you must check the local laws to properly file your claim on time.
Dealing with injuries that have been caused by someone’s negligence can be overwhelming. If you are a victim of negligent driving or a workplace accident, you are entitled to get compensation from the liable party. You need to get medical attention first, then report the accident to the police or your supervisor. To preserve your peace of mind, you can hire a professional injury lawyer to handle your claim and negotiate with the liable party on your behalf. Remember that it is also vital to gather all the evidence that can support your claim if you want to get the compensation that you deserve.