Unfortunately, injury settlements are not always based on the severity of a person’s injury. There are those that are legitimately injured, and very seriously injured, who do not receive the compensation they deserve. To get the maximum settlement on your injury claim, there are steps you should take from the moment you are injured. While the tasks may seem tedious, doing so can help you secure the compensation you need for current and future losses.
1. Document Everything
The biggest mistake that injured parties make is that they fail to document. You should document from the moment the accident occurs. Take notes on how, when, and why the accident occurred. Write down the details that you can remember – such as weather conditions in a car accident or things that a physician said immediately after a surgical procedure went wrong.
If there are witnesses, you need to document that as well. Write down their full name, contact information, and request that you contact them later to collect an official statement.
2. Get a Police Report (if Applicable)
In a car accident situation, you need a police report. While you can’t use the police report in court, you can use it as a negotiation tool to ensure that the defendant pays the settlement you deserve.
3. Document Damages
Any damage that you encounter – whether it is vehicle damage, property damage, or medical bills – must be documented. Write down the damage amount and save receipts or medical statements showing how much you have paid. Documenting your actual damages can help maximize your settlement, and also helps your attorney calculate any potential future damages so that you are not forced to pay out of pocket for these expenses later on.
4. Avoid Negotiating with Insurance Claims Adjusters
Instead of negotiating with the claims adjuster on your own, hire an accident attorney. An accident attorney can negotiate on your behalf, and knows how to avoid the tricks and decoy tactics that claims adjusters will use to lower your settlement or even delay payment. Many insurance claims adjusters will contact victims early, acting as though they are their advocate, to get them to admit fault or misinterpret what they say to lower the settlement amount.
5. Do Not Miss Doctor’s Appointments
Even if you feel you are recovering, do not miss any doctor’s appointments. These appointments help prove your injuries, and failing to go to follow-up appointments can give the defense grounds to contest the legitimacy of your injuries. If you do not agree with a treating physician, you can seek a second opinion, but do not ignore medical advice.
Get the Maximum Settlement on Your Injury Claim: Contact Hancock Injury Attorneys
If you have been injured, do not speak to claims adjusters. Instead, contact Hancock Injury Attorneys. We will work hard to get you the maximum compensation you deserve. Call us for a free consultation at (813) 915-1110, or fill out an online contact form.
