According to a recent study, over 30 million Americans are injured in accidents each year. Furthermore, the average cost of a personal injury claim is over $52,000. If you have suffered an injury due to the negligence of another party, it’s important that you take the necessary steps to receive fair compensation. This article will provide helpful tips on how to make sure you get properly compensated after suffering a personal injury.
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Document The Accident & Your Injuries
The first step is to thoroughly document the accident scene and your resulting injuries. If it’s a car accident, take photos of the damage to both vehicles and the accident location. Get contact details of any witnesses who saw what happened. You should also make notes about what you remember from the accident while it’s still fresh in your mind.
For your injuries, make sure to get checked by a doctor as soon as possible. Keep records of all your medical bills, treatment plans, and diagnoses. Your doctor can provide a medical report detailing your injuries, treatment, and prognosis. This evidence will help prove the extent of your injuries later on. Approximately 806,000 people involved in car accidents experience injuries like whiplash or back sprains, which can be included in personal injury claims. Keeping accurate medical records will help get compensation for pain and suffering in addition to medical costs.
Consult A Personal Injury Attorney
An experienced personal injury lawyer can help maximize your settlement or court award. Personal injury law is complex, with strict deadlines and complicated legal procedures. Personal injury attorneys have the expertise to know what your claim could be worth based on factors like medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering damages. On average, claimants receive over 3 times more compensation with an attorney than without one.
When consulting lawyers, choose one that specializes specifically in personal injury or accident cases. Ask about their track record with similar cases to yours. Make sure to understand the fee structure – confirm that they will only take payment if they win your case.
Respond Promptly To Insurance Adjusters
The insurance company of the at-fault party will likely reach out to get a recorded statement from you about the accident details. While you should cooperate, don’t provide extensive details until consulting your attorney. Anything you say can be used against you later.
The adjuster will likely make a settlement offer, but don’t accept it right away. Talk to your lawyer to determine if the offer is reasonable based on the value of your damages. Approximately 33% of first settlement offers are unfairly low. With an attorney’s help, you’ll be in a stronger position to negotiate a fair settlement or take the case to court if needed.
Keep Detailed Records Of All Correspondence
Throughout the claims process, keep detailed records of all correspondence and documents. Save copies of all medical records and bills, as well as any communications from insurers. Keep a journal documenting how the injury has affected your personal and professional life. All of this creates a paper trail proving the extent of your damages.
Be Patient Through The Legal Process
Pursuing fair compensation often takes patience. It can take weeks or months for insurance adjusters to process your claim and make an offer. If your case goes to court, it could be years before you receive a settlement. But with an experienced personal injury attorney on your side, you can take comfort in knowing someone is fighting to get you the maximum compensation allowed under the law.
Suffering an accident can be difficult, but ensuring you receive fair compensation doesn’t have to be. Following these tips will help you successfully navigate the claims process after a personal injury.