If you’ve decided to file a personal injury claim, you want to maximize the settlement you’re eligible for. With the injuries, suffering, and inconvenience that you’ve experienced, receiving fair compensation makes perfect sense. Today, we’ll discuss the best ways to do just that.
5 Ways to Maximize Your Personal Injury Settlement
Regardless of the circumstances of your claim, these five tips can help you get the largest settlement possible:
1. Save the evidence
If and when the jury hears your case, they will decide Your settlement amount by looking at the evidence. The more evidence you have, the stronger your case. With this in mind, collect as much evidence as possible. At a minimum, take photos of the accident scene and your injuries, document names and contact information for witnesses, and obtain a copy of the police report.
2. See a doctor
If you were injured in the accident, obtaining comprehensive medical treatment is essential. Not only does it add evidence to your case, but it helps ensure you are awarded a fair payment for your injuries and losses. It is important to seek immediate medical attention following an injury, the longer you wait to see a doctor the more difficult your injury claim will be to prove. Be specific when describing your injuries to your doctor and be sure it is clear that your injuries were the result of a car crash, or slip & fall or some other potential negligence claim. Documenting your injuries early on will help in maximizing your potential injury settlement.
3. Prepare to be patient
After an accident, most people are eager to move on with their lives. Although this makes perfect sense, rushing to settle your claim can result in a smaller payout than you would otherwise be entitled. Instead of accepting the first offer you receive, focus on obtaining the offer you deserve. This might take time, but it will pay off in the end. If you are unsure if the offer that is being made is sufficient, it is important you contact an experienced personal injury attorney to help review your claim.
4. Consider future damages
A car accident creates both immediate and future expenses and damages. Immediate damages may include things like repairs to your car, medical bills, and lost hours at work. Future damages, however, include pain and suffering, ongoing medical treatment, and a diminished ability to participate in hobbies or vocations. Make sure you’re taking these things into account as you assess the damages.
5. Don’t wait to file
After your injury, the clock starts to tick. What most people don’t know is that there are time limits on how long you can wait before filing your case. To avoid running into problems with your state’s statute of limitations, you should consult with an attorney immediately. Your legal team will help you collect and preserve the evidence you need to build your case and ensure you don’t run into any filing deadlines.
Hire a Lawyer for Post-Accident Legal Advice
Because of the complexities of personal injury law, it can be very difficult to negotiate your personal injury settlement alone. Not only is there no one-size-fits-all rule for what happens after an accident it’s also easy to be bullied by insurance companies and legal teams on the other side.
To protect your interests, it’s critical to hire a personal injury attorney. Here at Ward & Barnes, our team will fight for your rights, represent you in court, and ensure you maximize your settlement as much as possible.
Contact us today to learn more about our experienced legal team and to secure the representation you deserve.