All You Need to Know About Settling Your Personal Injury Claim
April 23, 2021When you are injured, the last thing you want to worry about is sorting through a bunch of legal documents. Settling a personal injury claim should be a relatively straightforward process, however, it can also be a very stressful experience. To settle your case both swiftly and successfully, here are some golden rules to follow.
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Don’t Take the First Offer You Receive
It’s very tempting to jump at the first offer you receive. Most people want to get the whole process over with as soon as possible. A common tactic used by insurance companies is to submit an extremely low offer to see if you bite. Be patient and wait until the right offer comes through.
Settlements Aren’t Limited to Medical Expenses
When victims calculate their desired compensation, they only focus on their medical expenses. However, this isn’t the only damage you can claim for. Accidents can also cause emotional distress, sleep loss, permanent injuries, changes in lifestyle, and an inability to work. All of these factors can be compensated for financially.
Personal Injury Claims Have a Cut Off Period
The time required to file your personal injury claim is limited, however, the time it takes for you to settle the case is not. Keep in mind that each state has its own statute of limitations. It’s a smart idea to speak to a lawyer to find out more info on personal injury law in your area.
Try to Gather as Much Evidence as Possible
Collecting as much evidence as you can is vital to the success of your case. Make sure to take plenty of photographs and videos, both of the accident and your injuries. Similarly, you should compile written reports about the accident, hospital records, and testimonies from any witnesses.
Attend All of Your Medical Appointments
If you’re trying to receive financial compensation for your injuries, you must attend all of your medical appointments. Refusing, or forgetting to do so, will undermine the importance of the injures and discredit the extent of your pain. Moreover, it can complicate your recovery process and it could even worsen your condition.
Keep Off of Social Media
In the age of social media and technology, it’s hard to imagine staying completely off grid. However, the best thing you can do is to avoid posting anything on social media. Be mindful about who you accept as a follower or friend and who can see your profile. The opposition may try to use your posts to compromise your credibility and disprove your claim.
Apart from the mental and physical anguish, there is also a great financial burden that arises from accidents. You must consider aspects like medical bills, therapy sessions, and even the time spent away from the workplace. As the victim of an accident, you should focus on making a full recovery. An accident is stressful enough as it is, throw a lawsuit into the mix and your recovery could be seriously impaired.