Accidents happy in everyday life, they move you forward and help you learn to be more cautious in similar scenarios down the line.
However, sometimes car accidents cause serious injury… injuries so detrimental to your health that you’re unable to perform day-to-day operations.
In instances like that, it’s worth seeking every ounce of compensation. That way you can make sure you and your family are secure during your rest.
There are steps you should take the moment the personal injury occurs in order to maximize your personal injury compensation.
Listed below are 9 ways you can ensure the maximum coverage while you get some much-needed recovery.
1. Stockpile the Evidence
Regardless of how ambitious or reserved your compensation request is, both the jury and the defendants are going to demand legitimate evidence of your claim.
The jury bases its decision solely on the evidence that you can provide.
The defense party will even base their settlement amount on the strength of your evidence for the claim.
As soon as the injury occurs, make sure to take out your mobile phone and catch a few pictures of when and where the accident took place. Also, if you can, try to take a picture or two of the injury itself.
If anyone was around while it happened, be sure to take down their name as well as a phone number and email address to get in contact with.
Your attorney will have their own methods of gathering evidence. But, anything that you can provide at the scene of the accident will be strong evidence they can use in your case.
2. Seek Treatment/Rehabilitation
One of the biggest things that you want to be covered when an injury occurs is the amount it will take to pay for treatments and/or rehabilitation of your injury.
Realistically, the only way you can expect to receive that compensation is by firm documentation of the treatments you received.
Treatment documentation solidifies your claims as a legitimate injury and will force the other party to make a higher settlement offer.
Don’t cheap out on your treatment, listen carefully to the procedures your doctor suggests and take that course of action. Whether it’s physical therapy, medication, or frequent check-ups, be diligent in following up.
3. Exhaust Your Claim Options
It’s important to note that some injuries may not pop up until days, maybe even months, after the accident. Try to take thorough notes of the repercussions you notice and inform your attorney of all of them.
Depending on what the accident was, you can also be compensated for the emotional damage.
Your personal injury attorney will have a thorough understanding of the damages you qualify for.
The most common mistake that people make when filing a personal injury claim is assuming they only have one type of damage available. Keep an open mind to all the types of damage you qualify for.
4. Have Patience
It’s possible that you receive an offer almost immediately after filing for personal injury compensation.
More often than not, that’s a check offer to try and stop the case for proceeding further… meaning you shouldn’t take it. It’s not likely to be a significant offer upfront, so you may be costing yourself more compensation by accepting it.
This is a great way to show the other party that you have your eyes set on the long haul. Meaning that you are willing to wait it out until they meet your expectations.
5. Be Prepared to Explain Yourself
If you decline a settlement offer, the other party won’t just concede defeat and go back to the drawing board. They’ll want to know why.
This doesn’t mean you should show your hand, but you need to be able to explain why their offer isn’t sufficient. You’ll also need the evidence and documentation to back it up.
You won’t have to go this part alone, your attorney can help communicate the necessary measures of a fair settlement and the evidence you have to the other party so that you don’t have to.
6. Prepare for Trial
So, the settlement offers up to this point haven’t been close and you need to resort to other means of maximizing damages… what now?
Time to build your case and be ready to go to trial.
Granted, the other party could still offer a fair settlement at any point to stop the case from going to trial… but you and your attorney need to plan for one just in case.
Your attorney will do the dirty work of conducting depositions and requesting records/evidence.
They will be the ones using their expertise to instruct you on the next steps and have you ready for anything.
7. File Your Case as Soon as Possible
Did you know you only have a certain amount of time to file your case after the injury occurs? The Indiana Statute of Limitations states that you only have 2 years to file a personal injury case.
While that may sound like a lot of time, it’s not. In fact, a personal injury lawsuit can last 2 to 3 years.
Needless to say, it’s better to play it safe and file the case as soon as you can.
8. Keep a Low Profile
One of the most common mistakes that people make during a trial of any kind is posting things on social media that can be referenced in the other party’s case.
Don’t give them any ammunition.
If your personal injury claim states that you have severe damage done to your leg, don’t post a video of your progress to running again.
It can be used against you and, ultimately, ruin your case.
9. Be on Your Best Behavior
One of the best things you can do for yourself if your case goes to trial is making a positive impression on the jury.
They’re only human, so your demeanor and personality will all play a factor of some sort in their decision.
Be on time to the courthouse, dress to the “t”, be respectful to everyone in the court while the trial is proceeding, etc.
Optimize Your Personal Injury Compensation Today
The injuries you’ve received while on the job or at a certain location are nothing short of a tragedy. It’s time to maximize your personal injury compensation.
Be sure to read this article on questions to ask the personal injury attorney you hire. This will get you information on the values and shared goals that you should look for.
For more inquiries, please call Truitt Law Offices at 260-471-1022.
