How to maximize a personal injury settlement

When you’ve been in a slip and fall accident, it’s possible that the other party might not be insured. It’s your right to do everything possible to get compensated for your injuries. You deserve the maximum compensation for your lost wages and pain and suffering. 

How to Maximize a Personal Injured Settlement

Your lawsuit and settlement can be affected by what you do after an accident. You can get the compensation that you deserve by understanding the aspects of your case that you have control over. In this process, you will want to make sure that you find a Charlotte personal injury lawyer to navigate this potentially complicated process. These are 10 things you can do in order to maximize your personal injuries settlement.

Keep the evidence from your accident

Documenting every detail of an accident may seem like a burden. If you are able to, take photos of the damage to your vehicle and injuries. It is also important to get contact information from witnesses and request a copy the police report as soon possible.

These documents can be used to prove the extent of your injuries to your vehicle and to show that you are responsible for it. This evidence could make a significant difference in the settlement you receive or convince jurors that you are entitled to more compensation.

Get Help Right Away After an Accident

Get immediate medical attention after an accident. First, you may think your injuries are not so serious if you don’t get medical treatment. Documentation of any physical injuries and treatment received is a second requirement. You must also follow your treatment plan exactly. If you don’t, it could be argued you didn’t need treatment.

Keep track of all details, including your diagnosis and treatment plan. Physical therapy and counseling sessions may be required to help you deal with the stress from the accident as well as your injuries. The insurance company will be more likely to cover all your expenses if you provide documentation.

Even if it seems that you don’t have to go to the hospital immediately after an accident, you must. You have 14 days to see a doctor in Florida after an accident or your insurance company will deny your claim.

Choose an Attorney

Although there is no set deadline to hire a personal injury lawyer, it is important that you do so as soon as possible. It is important to have representation in dealings with insurance companies and in court. An attorney will represent the insurance company, so you can rest assured that you will as well.

Many lawyers will offer a free case evaluation. They also often work on a contingent basis. It’s worth making at least one phone call. A personal injury lawyer can help maximize your personal injury settlement.

Do not wait too long to file a lawsuit

Although the legal process can take some time, there are deadlines and time limits for filing a personal injuries lawsuit. Another reason to speak with an attorney immediately after an accident is occurred. The process of gathering evidence begins once your case has been filed. You will have the best evidence and testimony possible, as evidence can easily be lost, or witnesses might forget what they saw. It is important to file a suit quickly. It lets the other side know that you are serious.

Create Your Case

You can maximize your settlement by carefully building a legal case. Even if the case does not go to trial, it is still important to build a legal case. An experienced attorney will prepare the case by serving discovery demands, requesting records and conducting depositions. A weak case could result in a lower settlement offer.

Set a specific goal in your mind

Remember everything that you have been through, and ensure you are fully valuing your claim. It is possible that you don’t realize the extent of your rights. You can claim a variety of damages in a personal injury lawsuit.

You may be eligible for compensation for emotional trauma, loss in intimacy, inability or inability to pick up your children, as well as loss of mobility and other bodily functions. These types of damages are not included in out-of-pocket expenses and should be part of your goal amount.

Do not be too eager to accept your first offer

Sometimes, a personal injury case can drag out for months or even years. You may feel the need for immediate compensation and will want to accept the first offer. Do not do this. Accepting the first offer may lead to you accepting less than you actually need. Insurance companies will try to convince you to settle for less. It is important to be strong and tell them that you are willing to go to any length to obtain the maximum compensation. It may be necessary to decline the first few offers.

Make sure to explain why the offer is inadequate

Let the other side know you have a strong case by explaining why your offer was rejected. It may prove difficult to maximize your settlement otherwise. You or your attorney must explain why a low settlement was offered and provide documentation to support your claim.

Do not settle until you’re healed!

You should not accept an insurance company’s settlement offer until you have fully recovered from the injuries sustained in the accident. After you sign the release and accept the settlement, you cannot go back to file a personal injury case or ask for more money.

Wait for a response

Sometimes it’s difficult to wait but don’t be impatient. You can be annoyed by the delay of the insurance company or other party and accept their offer. Give them plenty time. Your attorney can let you know what to do.

Important Note:

Ask the insurance company to set up a high reserve account

Your insurance company will open a reserve account for you to use in order to pay your settlement. This is done as soon as your claim is filed. When they have more information about your case, the insurance adjuster can update this account. If you lose your job or see your doctor, the account will be updated to reflect your claim.