If you've been injured due to the negligence of another, whether an individual or a corporation, you have the right file an injury claim and should do so as soon as possible to ensure you get the compensation you need to fully recover. An accident injury lawyer should be your first call.
What Are the Steps to Take When Filing an Injury Claim?
1. Call an Accident Injury Lawyer
The very first step is to call an experience personal injury lawyer like those at Hilliard Law. Your lawyer will immediately get to work protecting your rights, negotiating for you, and preparing a strong case. Your lawyer will also help you do all the rest of the steps correctly, on time, and in the best way to ensure the maximum compensation possible.
2. Gather Evidence
Collect everything you can think of that might pertain, and your lawyer will help you make sure you're not missing anything. Anything that points to who caused the accident and exactly what the accident did to you is important to have. You'll also want to write down your experiences as they happen, including recording how you feel from day to day and the way the accident has affected your life. Make sure to keep all bills and receipts for any expenses related to the incident.
3. Contact the Opposite Party's Insurance
Get the insurance coverage information from the liable party, whether that's a driver's auto insurance, a doctor's malpractice coverage, or a supermarket's liability insurance. Your lawyer will get to work filing the right type of claim with the insurance company and get the ball rolling on a settlement negotiation.
4. Watch What You Say
Most of the time, you'll be dealing with an insurance company rather than a private individual in these cases, and you need to be aware that insurance companies are businesses that need to make a profit. If they pay out too many claims, that won't happen, so they're usually looking for ways to minimize what they owe. Be wary about talking to them, as they may try to get you to say something that they can use to either contest fault or suggest your injuries aren't related to the accident or aren't as bad as you claim. Refer any calls to your lawyer, and if you need to talk to them, do so with your lawyer present.
5. Talk With Your Lawyer About Expenses
Insurance companies know that injured people are often facing huge medical bills, and sometimes they make low initial offers hoping you'll be desperate enough for cash that you'll take it. If you're having trouble covering your bills while you wait, don't fall for this trick. Instead, ask your lawyer for help in exploring other ways to cover bills until the settlement comes through. Some healthcare providers, for example, may be happy to put a lien on your settlement rather than demand payment immediately.
There's more that goes into these cases, but your attorney will be there at every step to ensure you get it right. Remember that statistics show those who choose a lawyer usually end up with larger settlements than those who don't, so set up a consultation as soon as possible.
