5 Steps to Increase Your Compensation in a Personal Injury Claim

If someone or an entity negligently injures you, you can file a personal injury claim against them to recover compensation. The process is often long and tedious as the defendant may object to your stance. However, you can get maximum compensation from the at-fault party with the right actions. 

“You must be intentional and strategize well to achieve your aim. When you convincingly present your case, it becomes harder for the other party. Your strategies should differentiate you,” says personal injury attorney Felix Gonzalez of the Felix Gonzalez Accident and Injury Law Firm.

This article highlights five steps you can use to maximize your compensation in a personal injury suit:

Engage a Results-Driven Personal Injury Attorney

While engaging a personal injury attorney in your case is not compulsory, it is beneficial to allow a professional to handle the entire process. Personal injury laws across states are complex. Thus, it is tricky for a layperson to engage in a creative battle.

A well-trained local attorney understands the demands of the law and how to satisfy them. They are also aware of the statute of limitations guiding your case and will act swiftly to ensure it is not time-barred. Furthermore, a personal injury lawyer is your most dependable ally in gathering evidence for your case.

Settle for an attorney who is passionate about your case. You must be careful about the selection process because you do not want to lose a golden opportunity due to the wrong legal representative.

Prioritize Your Health 

Your priority after a personal injury incident should be your health. Even if it seems you have not sustained a physical injury, it is still advisable to visit a physician. Apart from treating you, the doctor will also provide you with medical records, which is an essential part of the evidence you need to establish your claim.

If you fail to visit a healthcare facility, there is no way you can link your injuries to the accident. Even if you claim the accident is directly responsible for your injuries, no one will take you seriously. 

Thus, you must religiously commit yourself to the treatment course and honor all appointments. Insurance adjusters will look for all ways to dispute the severity of your injuries and de-link them from the accident. Avoid playing into their hands.

Document Everything That Transpires

Evidence is your most potent tool for recovering maximum compensation in a personal injury claim. Avoid overlooking any evidence or assuming that it is inconsequential to your case. Snap pictures of your injuries, accident scene, and property damage. 

Also, note the time and date the accident happened. If witnesses are on the scene, get their details so your lawyer can contact them. 

Call the police at the scene immediately after the accident, as you need their report to bolster your claim. Similarly, you should keep all records from your physician intact, as you will need them to support your medical expenses. 

Know the Worth of Your Claim

If you do not know the value of your claim, you may settle for less. Your claims may entail lost earnings, medical bills, pain and suffering, psychological trauma, and future rehabilitation costs. You should speak with your attorney to understand the worth of these claims to arrive at an acceptable amount.

Your attorney has handled similar cases in the past, and from their experience, they can reliably determine the value of your case. The essence of yielding to your lawyer's advice is to ensure fair compensation. It will prevent you from shooting yourself in the foot.

Beware of the Gimmicks of Insurance Adjusters

No matter how insurance adjusters present themselves, their ultimate aim is to defend the interests of their employers. So, even if they pretentiously claim they want to “help” you, you must be careful of their offer. 

Consult with your attorney before dealing with insurance adjusters. Also, avoid giving any recorded statements, as they may be used against you. That is why you must not plead guilty or discuss anything with the other party until your legal representative arrives.

Allowing your lawyer to handle the discussion with the insurance adjusters is safe. Legal professionals are aware of their gimmicks and how to puncture them. 

Final Words

You must be strategic and intentional to maximize compensation in a personal injury case. Following the steps shared in this piece can increase your chances of a positive outcome. The most essential point is working with a local personal injury attorney who can help you fight logically.