State law allows personal injury settlements, which compensate people who sustain accidental injuries. The settlements are meant to cover the victim’s medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages. But getting a maximum settlement can be challenging as defendants or their insurers may refuse to accept blame or make a reasonable settlement offer.
Trying to secure a fair settlement for your injuries can be overwhelming, especially while you recover from a serious injury caused by the negligence of another party. As you negotiate a settlement with the insurer, there are steps you must take to increase your chances of a positive outcome. These include learning the answers to personal injury FAQs to make informed decisions. Here are other steps you must take:
Seeking Immediate Medical Attention
After an accident, you must seek a doctor as soon as possible even if you think you are okay. A significant part of determining a settlement amount involves knowing the extent of your injuries and the amount of time it may take for you to recover from them.
Waiting too long to seek medical attention can result in your injuries getting worse, compromising your safety. Also, not seeking a doctor right away makes the insurance company think that your injury is not serious enough to warrant compensation.
Collect and Preserve Evidence
While you are still the accident claim, try to take photos or videos of the scene itself and the injuries you suffered. You can use this evidence to support and strengthen your claim. Also, you can take speak with the witnesses and get their contact information.
Make sure you document your treatments and expenses including your medical bills, medication receipts, and others. Also, try to keep a log of the changes in your condition.
Assess Your Claim with an Attorney
Before you decide on the amount of money to demand from the insurance company as a settlement, think about your financial damages including medical bills you have paid already, future medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Each dollar counts and adding up your losses can provide you with an idea of the amount you deserve to get in the final payout. After you determine an amount when you consult with an attorney, you can begin concentrating on the factors that can increase or decrease this figure.
The worth of your injury claim is mainly based on the seriousness of your injuries. If these injuries lead to long-term effects on your quality of life and ability to work, your claim’s value can significantly increase.
