After being in an accident, it is very easy to make mistakes when it comes to personal injury claims.
You are still in a state of worry and confusion, and there are many ways you can easily become overwhelmed and make mistakes as you apply for your claim.
After experiencing a traumatic event it is hard to complete the injury claim accurately and honestly, which makes it a good idea to speak to an experienced lawyer as soon as possible.
Below are five tips from Hach & Rose, LLP, that are going to help you succeed with your claim.
Documenting the injuries and including all the details
If you have been injured in a road traffic accident, it is hard to note down the details and think clearly about what happened.
This is why you are advised to contact the authorities right away. They are going to be there to provide the details and evidence of the accident, especially when it is a head injury.
The official reports are going to back up your claims and prevent the misremembering of the accident, which could make things worse and you end up losing your case.
If possible, use your phone to take photos and videos of the scene and email or text yourself the details of the other party so it can be backed up on your phone.
Journaling the impact the accident has had on your life
If you have had physical or psychological injuries after being in an accident, make sure you note down how the injuries have impacted your daily life. Keep a diary of this because it is going to help.
Note down any suffering or pain you feel, even if you think it is not a big deal. Make sure you keep the GP updated because those medical records are going to be important when backing up your claims.
It is also important to have documentation that includes photos of your injuries, the name and contact details of the witnesses. The more thorough the information, the better your chances of success.
Avoid settling a claim too soon
You might be tempted to take the settlement you are given, but it is a good idea to talk to a personal injury lawyer. It could be too soon.
You should avoid settling your claim until the full treatment has been completed, including surgical procedures, physiotherapy sessions, and psychological therapy if needed.
An experienced personal injury lawyer knows the tricks used by insurance companies to pay as little as possible as compensation after the accident.
When it comes to anything to do with a personal injury claim, then make sure you talk to a professional in this field because you can make a mistake you end up regretting. The personal injury lawyer is going to have a look at your case and see whether you are entitled to more compensation.
Keeping a record of financial losses
It is important to keep note of every loss and expense that you have encountered as a result of the accident.
Solicitors know the importance of clients not undervaluing or missing out on their claims.
Make sure you always keep any receipts in relation to the incident, even if it is from a relative or friend. Let the lawyer know of each of these expenses.
Even small expenses like the hospital parking receipts or takeaways you bought because you were not able to cook because of the injuries are going to be considered.
The lawyer is going to help you determine how much you are entitled to as compensation. This is hard for you to do on your own.
Asking your lawyer questions
This sounds simple, but you should ask the lawyer as many questions as possible. This will let you learn more about the case and the claim process.
That is your claim and you have the right to know what is going on, even if you don’t think the question is relevant or important.
