Personal Injury Lawyer
Getting hurt in an accident is a scary experience and can result in hefty medical bills and other losses. If your accident resulted from someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses and other damages. You may wonder about what you can do to maximize your compensation.
Here are some tips to strengthen your personal injury case.
Gather Evidence Promptly
Our friends at Cohen Legal who work as car accident lawyers will tell you, a personal case is only as strong as its evidence. Since evidence can disappear, it’s best to obtain it as quickly as possible. If you were in a slip and fall accident for example, you would take photos of the conditions that caused you to fall. If there were witnesses who saw your accident, ask for their names and contact information. If police come to the scene, request a copy of the police report.
Additionally, you may want to write down notes about what you remember from the accident, like when and where it occurred and how you felt immediately afterward. Describe how your injuries have affected your life so far.
Seek Immediate Medical Care
After an accident, it is critical to go to the emergency room. Even if you feel okay initially, you could still have suffered injuries. You do not want to put your health at risk. A doctor should assess your injuries and then recommend the appropriate treatment. If you delay medical treatment, it could harm your case. The at-fault party’s insurance company may try to argue that you aren’t truly hurt if you didn’t get medical treatment right away.
Consider Future Damages
Many accident victims only focus on their current damages, like their medical bills and lost wages. However, as a Santa Monica, CA personal injury lawyer can confirm, it is also important to think about your future damages. For example, if you suffered a spinal cord injury, you may have permanent paralysis and will not be able to work again. You may be able to receive compensation for future lost income.
Do Not Accept The First Settlement Offer
Following your accident, the defendant’s insurance company may contact you and ask you questions about your case. They may even try to offer you a settlement. While you may be tempted to accept the offer, keep in mind that the insurance company’s first offer is rarely a favorable one. The insurance company wants to get away with paying you as little as they can. You’ll want to have an experienced personal injury lawyer review your settlement before you accept.
Hire An Experienced Lawyer
Hiring an experienced lawyer can have a large impact on the outcome of your personal injury case. It’s important to choose a lawyer who has specific experience with your type of personal injury case. For example, if you were harmed while under a doctor’s care, you may want to hire a medical malpractice lawyer versus one that mainly deals with car accident cases. A skilled lawyer can handle negotiations with the insurance company.
