If you have suffered serious injuries as the result of someone’s negligent or reckless behavior, you deserve compensation. You may qualify to file a personal injury claim, but first you need to understand how the claiming process works. You should aim for a reasonable settlement that covers all the past and ongoing expenditures related to your injury; however, designating an accurate or fair economic value to one’s loss is no easy task. You cannot rely on random instincts and hope that the insurance adjuster will help you out. Many claimants are denied compensation or only succeed in collecting a small fraction of what is owed to them by the at-fault party.
You can opt for litigation, but that is seldom the right thing to do. Fighting for personal injury compensation in the civil court is time consuming and expensive; not to mention, a win is not guaranteed for the plaintiff. You may end up spending more on litigation costs than what your claim is worth. Follow these 5 tips to prevent a rejected claim and maximize your personal injury settlement:
1. Hold on to all pieces of Evidence
The success of your claim depends upon the evidence presented. Law enforcement gives priority to real proof and facts, as opposed to theories. The soundness of your case also affects the defendant's settlement offer. Your odds of winning improve when you have sufficient evidence to support your statements. Safe keep any documentation and visual proof related to the incident that caused your injury. This includes photos of the accident/injuries, police report (if applicable), bills/receipts of costs related to the injury, and contact info of witnesses.
2. Hire a Personal Injury Attorney
You might believe that proceeding with the claim without any legal help or guidance is fine, but obviously that is a mistake you will regret terribly afterwards. When a claimant approaches without a lawyer by their side, it’s a good day for the insurance company. They know that unlike an attorney, you won’t question their motives and vague explanations. If you ask the insurance agent about hiring a lawyer, they will discourage you profusely for their own benefit. Remember that personal injury attorneys charge on a contingency basis, thus you have nothing to lose. When you work with Personal Injury Attorney in Long Island, NY, from the beginning, you don’t have to worry about being misled or deceived.
3. Do not openly talk about your Case
Do not share the specifics of your case with anyone but your attorney. It is understandable that you would want to talk about your injury and criticize the one who caused you so much pain and suffering, but that can create problems for you. You might unconsciously utter something that makes you look bad or suspicious. Your social media activity will also be closely monitored, so refrain from posting something that can be manipulated and used against you. Keeping a low profile and letting your attorney speak for you is the best way to avoid trouble.
4. Complete your Medical treatment
Financial reimbursement for physical injuries is the primary component of a personal injury settlement. Therefore, it is crucial to clearly demonstrate the severity of your injury, as well as the cost of recovering from it. Law enforcement and the insurance adjuster won’t rely on your word, unless you have adequate medical reports for verification. If you miss follow up appointments with the doctor or abandon medical treatment at some point, you compromise your own evidence. When you prioritize healthcare, you ensure proper healing and don’t give the opponent an opportunity to challenge your integrity.
5. Be vary of the Insurance Adjuster
The insurance adjuster shall strive to minimize the payout as much as possible. Firstly, they might try to tempt you with a quick settlement that is nowhere near the actual value of your claim. Never settle for the first offer, no matter how desperately in need for money you are. Do not allow insurers to intimidate or rush you into accepting an offer; if they attempt something it, discuss this with your lawyer and let them handle it. Avoid direct communication with the insurance adjuster because you never know what trap they might try to lure you into.
