Personal accidents are the most common cause of injuries across the world. Whether you suffer workplace injuries or a car crash, you can sue the negligent party for compensation to support your recovery.
The high medical bills that come with seeking treatment and the potential of injuries to impact your quality of life justify the need to seek fair compensation. Your success in doing so largely depends on what you do after the injury.
If you’re a victim of a personal accident, here are seven ways to get the right compensation for your claim:
1. Hire An Experienced Lawyer
To get proper compensation in a personal injury accident, consider hiring an experienced personal injury attorney. Go for an attorney who has handled many cases similar to yours.
If you’re the victim of a slip and fall accident, opt for a lawyer with a solid grasp of the Florida slip and fall law. Such a lawyer can analyze the case carefully and guide you on the best way to pursue your claim.
2. Build A Water-Tight Case
The next step towards getting the proper compensation in a personal injury claim is to build a solid case. A great way to do this is to gather all the pertinent evidence to support your claim. In case of a car crash, it’s best to obtain a police report and take photos or videos of the accident scene, the injuries you sustained, and the vehicle you were in.
Additionally, work with your personal injury lawyer to document witness statements. Gather witness contact information and have your attorney reach out to them to record their statements.
It’s critical to see a doctor immediately if you suffered a personal injury. Adhere to your treatment schedule, and don’t miss doctor’s appointments. Non-adherence to the doctor’s instructions may indicate that your injuries aren’t as serious as you claim, negatively affecting your case.
Furthermore, ask your doctors for test results, a copy of the diagnosis, and other treatment documentation. These are essential pieces of evidence, as they assist in determining the extent of injuries suffered.
It will also help to maintain a journal where you document the discomfort or pain resulting from the accident.
3. Get Mental Health Treatment
When you file a compensation claim for personal injury, don’t forget to include the accident’s impact on your mental health. Medical treatment shouldn’t be limited to physical injuries; it should also cover your mental health treatment.
If you keep getting flashbacks of the accident that caused your injuries or experience higher levels of anxiety than you did before the accident, seek mental health assessment.
Maintain records of the treatment you receive and your appointments with mental health professionals and use them to support your claim.
4. Compute The Claim Value
The next step in pursuing proper compensation is computing the value of your personal injury claim. When filing a claim, you must determine how much money you want as compensation.
Work with your personal accident attorney to determine a reasonable amount. You can use your medical records and proof of damage to your car to justify the amount you want as compensation. Include these details when you file a claim.
Generally, the more explanation you provide to support your claim, the better. Your attorney will help you determine the minimum acceptable settlement amount.
5. Avoid Sharing Records With The Opposing Party
The records you assemble to support your case shouldn’t be accessible to your opponents. The only party you should share your documents with besides your attorney is your insurer.
The opposing party may use these records against you, so be wary about signing a release, as this will give them access to such documents.
6. Keep Off Social Media
As you recover from your injuries, stay away from social media because your posts can be used against you.
For instance, if you’re expected to undergo a painful rehabilitation, but your photos on social media show a recent surfing trip, the opposing party may question your credibility. This can affect your compensation claim.
To avoid this, remain quiet about your injuries and the compensation you seek. Instead, leave the talking to your attorney.
7. Exercise Patience
If you wish to maximize compensation for your personal injury, you should be prepared to wait. Some people like to settle the claim fast, which increases the chances of getting a compensation offer that doesn’t match their injuries.
Avoid this by exercising patience and refusing the initial offer that comes your way. Do not be hasty to accept any offer, especially if it’s below the minimum amount your attorney helped you establish. Better yet, have your personal injury lawyer negotiate with the insurance company or the liable party.
Final ThoughtsÂ
The most logical thing to do when you sustain a personal injury is to file a compensation claim. However, doing so doesn’t mean you’ll automatically be awarded the amount you think you deserve. Taking the seven steps discussed above can boost your chances of getting reasonable compensation.
