Every year in the US, there 6 million car collisions, 5 million dog bites, and 17,000 slip and fall incidents. Have you or a loved one been injured?
We will cover the top 10 ways to get the maximum personal injury compensation that you can. Read on.
1. Build a Strong Case
To get the best personal injury compensation, you need to build a really strong case.
This means that you meet all the due dates, gather as much evidence as you can and hire an attorney.
The experienced attorneys at SweetJames.com will help make sure that you haven’t missed crucial information that will help make your case stronger.
2. Gather Evidence
While at the scene where you were injured, gather as much evidence as you can. Take photos of the damages and get the contact information of other parties and witnesses.
It’s also a good idea to call the police. The officer will write an official police report. This document can be included in your personal injury lawsuit.
If your case goes to trial, the jury will use the evidence to make a decision. The more evidence you have, the more likely you are to win.
3. Receive Medical Treatment
If you have pain, stiffness, trouble sleeping, or any other symptoms after your injury, seek medical attention.
Even if you think one of the symptoms is not severe, get treatment. Medical paperwork and documentation from medical professionals as well as a list of appointments will bolster your case.
Part of knowing how to win a personal injury claim is to not downplay your injury. Remember that some injuries could lead to long-term or chronic pain. Always get medical treatment after an injury.
4. Value Your Claim
One of the biggest mistakes people make regarding personal injury claims is assuming you can only lay one type of charge.
The truth is that you can sue someone on various charges. Most states have laws that take into account emotional loss as a result of an injury.
Be sure to do research (or ask your lawyer) to uncover all the damages that you can sue for in your personal injury lawsuit.
5. Don’t Delay Filing Your Case
There may be time limits to file a personal injury claim. Missing a deadline could cause big problems for your case. Be sure to get started with the preliminaries of filing your case as soon after your injury as possible.
6. Stay Off Social Media
What does social media have to do with how to win a personal injury claim? A lot actually.
Anything you write online can be used against you in court. If you are filing a personal injury lawsuit but post pictures of you at the beach or with friends, you may be undermining the strength of your claim.
Also, anything you post about your injury could be used against you. It’s better to stay off social media for a while. If you aren’t sure, speak to your personal injury lawyer about how to best navigate social media.
7. Emphasize Emotional Points
When you are in negotiations, bring up your emotional costs that support your claim. If you have pictures that show damage to your car or a picture of you in hospital, refer to these during negotiations.
If your injury has caused undue hardship on you or family members including your spouse or children, be vocal about that.
Emotional damages are difficult to put a dollar amount on. Yet, bringing up the emotional impact of your injury is a great way to tip the scale towards a settlement offer.
Then, when you do get an offer, don’t just snap it up in an instant.
8. Consider Any Future Damages
Serious injuries can impact you for the rest of your life. Never fail to take into account that you may still be suffering from your injury well after your case is settled.
There may be long-term medical costs or caregiver requirements. Later in life, your injury could result in even more complications.
The money you get from your suit needs to be able to cover these long-term costs that you may not have considered yet.
9. Wait for the Best Offer
Remember, all insurance companies want to settle cases for as little money as they can. They will try to give you the lowest compensation they think they can get away with.
Your job is to hold out for the personal injury compensation that is fair. Be aware that when people accept the first offer, they are usually accepting much less than what they could get if they waited.
To get the maximum compensation, you need an experienced lawyer who will demand that you get the compensation that you deserve. Your lawyer knows what other cases similar to yours have gotten and will not settle for less.
You might have to reject a second or third offer in order to get what you deserve. Consult with your lawyer to know when to accept an offer.
10. Get the Settlement in Writing
When you and the insurance adjuster come to a mutual agreement on compensation, ask for an agreement letter.
Make sure the letter is written on company stationery and is signed by the adjustor. This letter must include the final figure so that it is binding.
The last thing you want is the adjustor trying to back peddle his or her offer. Keep this letter short and to the point. See a sample settlement agreement letter for tips on what this letter should say.
Get the Personal Injury Compensation You Deserve
There you have it! The top ten tips for how to get the personal injury compensation you deserve.
Check out our other posts for more legal, travel, and Money and fitness advice you can count on.
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