It is essential to obtain fair compensation when an individual’s negligence causes you harm. A personal injury settlement is the amount of money mutually agreed upon between the injured person and the negligent party to compensate the injured party for all damages.
Knowing how to maximize your personal injury settlement can assist you in recovering the costs and losses you have incurred. Multiple factors have an impact on the value of an individual’s personal injury settlement.
What you do from the beginning of your claim can significantly affect the outcome of your personal injury settlement.
Here are a few recommendations for you to follow:
Get Medical Treatment and Document Everything
After an accident, it is vital to act appropriately and promptly for your personal injury claim, if applicable. You should seek medical treatment even if you think your injuries are not very serious.
In almost all personal injury claims, medical records represent the most substantial evidence related to the injury and prove to be the most crucial evidence.
Document the Accident and Collect Documentation
Then, you need to document everything. Obtain documentation of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage. Write down what happened when it is fresh in your mind. Speak to any witnesses and obtain their contact information.
This documentation will help support your case and put you in a stronger position for negotiating a settlement.
Follow Your Doctor’s Treatment Plan and Document Experiences
The strength of your case depends largely on evidence and clear communication.
Follow your doctor’s advice completely and keep your medical bills and prescriptions, as this documentation illustrates the impact of your injury on your health and in your daily life.
Carefully Communicate with the Insurance Companies
Be honest but cautious in your communication with the insurance companies. If you are asked to give a recorded statement, contact an attorney, as you may inadvertently lose ground for your settlement if you say something they can use to underpay your settlement.
Whenever possible, send the insurance company your communications in writing, instead of a recorded statement.
Consider Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney
If you hire a personal injury lawyer who is experienced, you should be able to maximize your settlement. Lawyers know how insurance companies operate and know the damages to specifically include in the claim. They assist you in negotiating and counsel you on what is a proper demand.
Include All Damages (Total Damages) in Your Claim
Settlement offers typically include more than medical bills. To maximize your settlement, ensure you include:
- Being unable to earn a living due to time spent away from work
- Costs for your future medical treatment (if any)
- The pain and suffering caused by your injury
- Property damage costs
- Emotional distress based on the accident
Know to Wait Appropriately for Your Settlement to Cover Future Costs.
Settling your case too early, even if you have good faith intentions, might mean that you are not getting the most money you could. It is wise to wait until your injury treatment is stable or is done so that you can estimate your future costs accurately.
However, waiting too long to settle might mean you lose the possibility of settlement altogether.
Key Takeaways:
- Seek medical assistance immediately and keep complete records.
- Collect witness contacts and take photographs for evidence.
- Follow your doctor’s directions completely.
- Be extra careful in communications with insurance companies
- Hiring an attorney can help maximize your settlement
- You must include all damages, not just your medical bills
- You should wait until the scope of your future cost is clearer when settling, but be aware of the legal deadlines.