Personal injury refers to a suffered injury to someone’s health, mind, emotions, etc. On the other hand, every accident claim revolves around three basic issues: liability, negligence, and damages. You must be able to demonstrate that the two are connected, showing that the accused is to blame for your injuries. However, besides this, there are things that you should know before you file a claim.
To that end, here is a list of the top 6 important things to know before filing an injury claim!
Hire a lawyer
In most incidents, the culprit will attempt to persuade you to either give up the injury claim or diminish its value. By contrast, oftentimes, accident victims tend to attempt to negotiate with their insurance companies on their own. Naturally, you can freely do it, and even get compensated, but the question remains how effectively you did it.
In other words, without legal counsel, it is estimated that you have a lower chance of receiving a settlement or receiving as much recompense as accident victims who have legal representation. For example, in SamAndAshLaw, you can find devoted and passionate personal injury lawyers who will provide you with the optimal legal support and do their best to make it as easy as possible for you to go through all this. To that end, make sure you always get backed up by a legal professional who will help you get rightful compensation.
The claim is filled out in a limited time period
Many personal injury claims have a three-year statute of limitations, mandating that court proceedings be started within three years of the date of the accident or injury. On the other hand, there are also some claims that have a time restriction that is less than a year. In any case, it’s critical that you get legal assistance and file your claim as soon as possible! This is important because the sooner you get help and submit the claim, the more likely you are to be rightfully compensated.
Call as soon as possible
Make sure you avoid costly blunders such as disclosing too many facts about the mishap to an insurance agent or forgetting to report damage you have sustained. Instead of this, if you get a good lawyer, he/she will be able to guide you through the intricate legal process and contact the insurance provider on your behalf. Furthermore, the sooner you contact a legal practitioner, the more probable you are to recollect facts regarding your injuries, such as any witnesses, relevant bills, and other proof.
Your pain and stress
You should know that harms such as pain and stress, and consequently a lower quality of life, should be included in your settlement. In particular, if you’ve had a long, difficult recovery or have a lasting handicap or injury, your non-economic harms are more essential. This is because the time being hospitalized prevented you from working and earning money, spending time with your family, etc. All these losses must be compensated!
However, converting non-economic harms to a monetary value is difficult. This is something that a private attorney will be familiar with. They will look at several basic elements and investigate the outcomes of similar instances to determine your non-economic damages.
Avoid signing anything without giving it a second thought
The time of the accident is when you may feel disoriented and highly emotional. Unfortunately, many people can try to take advantage of this. For instance, it’s possible that an insurance agent will attempt to persuade you that you don’t need a lawyer. It’s crucial to remember, though, that insurance companies are often solely concerned with their own interests, not yours.
Many insurance companies would prefer to deal directly with you in the hopes of settling for a considerably lower amount than your case is worth. This is why it is critical that you do not sign anything before you have spoken with a personal injury attorney, because doing so may preclude you from collecting the compensation you are entitled to.
Accept the offer or go to trial?
Usually, personal injury cases are settled for a variety of reasons, including the fact that it is generally preferable for both parties to avoid a lengthy trial. However, not every settlement offer is preferable to having to go to court.
This is especially true if there’s a potential a jury may award you a larger sum of money, although this may not always be the case. Nevertheless, in these cases, it is best that you consult your lawyer to advise you if taking a cash settlement is a better option than going to court.
Our wellbeing is our most precious treasure, so let us ensure we protect it how it deserves!
