The Ultimate Tips to Maximize Your Personal Injury Settlement
Personal injury cases are legal disputes that arise when someone claims compensation for injuries caused by a third party due to a negligent act. These cases comprise 10 percent of all civil cases filed in court.
Personal injury cases are a tough nut to crack. You have to negotiate with the responsible party's insurance company to get compensation for expenses related to the accident.
Insurance companies avoid paying out too much money in compensation. Thus, the insurance company may try every trick in the book to minimize your settlement amount. How do you beat the insurance company at their own game to get the compensation you deserve?
Read on for the ultimate tips to maximize your personal injury settlement.
Know the Full Value of Your Claim
When you report your accident to your insurance company, the company directs you to an insurance adjuster. The work of the insurance adjuster is to investigate your claim and determine how much compensation the insurance company owes you.
The insurance adjuster does the following to evaluate your claim:
- Examine the evidence you present
- Talk to witnesses
- Review the official report on the accident
- Personally inspect the damage
Remember, the insurance adjuster looks after the insurance company's interests. So, after investigating your claim, they will look for loopholes they can use to minimize your settlement amount.
When you do not know the total value of your claim, you may make the mistake of accepting a meager settlement. So, before talking to an insurance adjuster, talk to a lawyer who will help you evaluate your losses from the accident.
Some costs to consider when evaluating your losses include:
- Ongoing and future medical treatment
- Emotional and psychological trauma
- Loss of income and earning capability
- Property damage from the accident
Calculate your costs and come up with a specific minimum settlement amount to ask for from the insurance provider.
Present Thorough Evidence
The value of your claim depends on the amount of evidence you present. First, you need to prove that you got injured in the accident. When you go to the doctor, ask them to record everything you tell them.
Do not be embarrassed to talk to your doctor about any of your injuries. After receiving your diagnosis, follow the doctor's instructions exactly. If they ask you to see a psychiatrist for a trauma evaluation, do so. If you need physical therapy, show up to all appointments.
Save all your prescription bottles and keep a diary of your physical limitations after the accident. Talk to witnesses who can vouch for you if your claim is in question. Present receipts of all expenses you incurred due to the accident.
Photographic evidence of the accident scene, your injuries, and property damages from the accident also helps prove your claim.
Do Not Rush to Settle Your Claim
Dealing with the aftermath of an accident is challenging. Therefore, it's understandable if you want to settle quickly and get over the incident. However, you risk shortchanging yourself in the process.
Insurance adjusters begin negotiations by offering a low settlement amount. If you jump at that offer, you may get a settlement that barely covers your damages. Besides, some injuries from an accident may take time to manifest. If you rush to settle, you may not be able to afford any medical costs you incur down the road.
Engage a Personal Injury Lawyer
Negotiations for compensation can get tricky. If you are not a good negotiator, hire a personal injury attorney to represent you. An attorney is an asset in a personal injury case in which there is a question of fault, as they help you prove your lack of fault.
If your case demands a large settlement amount, insurers and the at-fault party may not take you seriously without a lawyer. It is also a good idea to consult an attorney if your injuries from the accident are severe, as it allows you time to recover without the hassle of navigating settlement negotiations.
At, Borbi, Clancy & Patrizi, LLC, we know the toll that accidents have on victims, and we commit to helping our clients get justice. Contact us today for legal representation on your personal injury case.