It is essential to recognize that every personal injury case is unique. To get the best result for your case, you need a unique and customized approach. Knowing how to handle your case proactively can make a huge difference.
You must clearly outline the steps you want to take in your case. In other words, you must know the legal steps that will bring you the desired outcome. While these steps may appear generic, how you tailor them to your case will determine the output.
This article discusses six steps you can take to resolve your personal injury claim successfully.
Step One: You Must Prioritize Your Health
When you sustain an injury under any circumstance, you must seek treatment immediately. This will help you determine the severity of the harm and get the appropriate treatment. You must not underestimate any condition, as internal injuries can quickly worsen if left unattended.
To properly document the harm, you should seek medical attention. If you want to file a claim against the at-fault party, you will need a medical record that confirms your injuries. When you visit a healthcare facility immediately after an accident, they can help document your injuries, giving you the basis for demanding compensation.
Assuming you are fine can be your undoing. Internal injuries slowly manifest, and if you fail to visit the doctor immediately after the mishap, the other party will argue that your injuries are not as severe as you claim. Hence, you must not allow the at-fault party to explore loopholes against you.
Step Two: Speak to Your Lawyer
After getting the appropriate treatment, you need to speak with a local car accident attorney about the incident. You need a professional to analyze the case and determine if you have a claim.
Fortunately, most personal injury attorneys offer free initial consultations to prospective clients. Let your lawyer know about the case and determine the best strategy to recoup damages.
Furthermore, personal injury attorneys typically charge on a contingency basis. You don’t have to pay them a dime until they recoup your damages. Payment is only made after compensation has been received.
Therefore, you have no reason to hesitate about engaging an attorney. When you speak with a legal professional, you increase your chances of receiving maximum compensation.
Step Three: Let Your Lawyer Take the Front Seat
The essence of contacting an attorney is to have them at the forefront of the legal battle. You need to focus on recuperating while your lawyer leads the compensation recovery effort.
Your attorney will investigate the case to get the appropriate details, gather evidence, and build a solid case. It is a meticulous process that determines the direction of your case. When you gather sufficient evidence and present it convincingly, you will receive adequate compensation.
Step Four: File Your Insurance Claim
Many victims overlook the importance of legal representation in this process. They assume the insurance company will understand or sympathize with them once they see their injuries. If you belong to this school of thought, it is time to reassess your philosophy.
When you file a claim without an attorney, you may eventually get a settlement that does not reflect the true worth of your losses and injuries. The insurance adjuster will shortchange you while pretending to care about you.
However, when you involve an attorney, they know how to factor in all the necessary components of your claim. Beyond your medical expenses, they will demand compensation for pain, ongoing medical care, suffering, and lost wages.
Step Five: Negotiate Your Settlement
This is also a delicate aspect of your case, and it is crucial to note that over 95 percent of personal injury cases are resolved through this route. Therefore, you must not take negotiations lightly. Allowing a skilled attorney to represent you during the negotiations is the best decision you can make.
To demand an appropriate amount, your attorney will present proof gathered to the insurer. A lawyer will explain to them why the specified amount is demanded based on the evidence. This gives the insurance company an idea of what will happen if the case proceeds to litigation.
For emphasis, personal injury attorneys are skilled negotiators and understand all tactics insurance adjusters may deploy to offer victims low-ball settlements. Therefore, you need a lawyer who can insist on adequate compensation and compel the insurance firm to do the right thing.
Step Six: Proceed to Litigation
If you cannot settle with the insurance company, you may need to explore litigation. Your lawyer will file a lawsuit against the at-fault party and their insurer for a jury or judge to determine the outcome of the case.
This stage is often evidence-based. In other words, the strength of your evidence and how you present it determines the outcome of your case. That is why you must settle for a personal injury attorney who is experienced in courtroom litigation and is ready to commit to any length in your case.
Know your Statute of Limitations
While a personal injury accident may temporarily halt your life, justice keeps ticking immediately after the incident occurs. The statute of limitations is the deadline for personal injury victims to file their claims. This timeline varies across jurisdictions, but typically ranges from two to four years in most states.
If you fail to file your case within this timeline, you lose the golden opportunity to hold the at-fault party legally liable. A local personal injury attorney understands the statute of limitations and how to meet the deadline. Therefore, working with an attorney will ease the pressure of meeting the deadline.
Final Remarks
To achieve a positive outcome in your personal injury case, it is essential to be decisive and strategic in your approach. This article emphasizes the importance of involving an attorney in the legal battle. When you seek medical attention promptly and allow a legal professional to handle the compensation process, you increase your chances of achieving the desired outcome.
