If you were injured because someone else behaved negligently, you may be able to file a personal injury claim. Whether it was a car crash, slip and fall accident, or any other personal injury accident, you can seek compensation for your injuries and damages.
However, you must be able to win your case to recover the money you’ve lost due to your injury expenses. There are no guarantees, but if you follow these tips, you’ll have a better chance of getting the money you deserve.
Get the Right Evidence
You will need to prove that the other party was responsible for your injuries. The evidence you present can strengthen or weaken your claim. Photos and videos of the scene are instrumental in showing what happened or what hazard led to the unfortunate event.
In a car accident, you’ll call the police who will fill out an accident report. At a store where you slipped and fell, the manager will create an incident report. The reports can also be used as evidence, but there could be more. Witnesses may have seen what occurred and there may be surveillance footage. The more evidence you have to support your claim, the more likely you will be to win your case.
Determine Negligence
In almost all personal injury cases, negligence will be a factor that you must prove to have a valid claim. You will need to prove that the other party owed you a duty of care.
All drivers owe each other a duty of care to drive safely. At a place of business, the property owner should maintain their property to prevent hazardous conditions from harming invited guests.
Once you establish you were owed a duty of care, you need to prove that it was breached. The final step in proving negligence is to show that the breach caused the accident that led to your injuries and damages.
Attend Every Doctor’s Appointment
You need to have sustained an injury to file a personal injury claim. This is why you must keep records of your medical treatments. Your medical records will serve as more evidence but you have to make sure you attend all of your doctor’s appointments and follow their instructions.
It stands to reason that if you are hurt, you will be working on recovery from your injuries. That won’t be possible if you skip your appointments or ignore your doctor’s instructions. This may lead to reduced compensation or even a denial of your claim.
Don’t Talk About Your Personal Injury Accident
When you suffer a personal injury, it is tempting to share the details with your friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors. However, the only person you should speak to about your personal injury case is your attorney. Resist the urge to post anything on social media since the at-fault party’s insurance company will be looking for a way to discredit your claim.
Hire a Lawyer Who Specializes in Your Type of Personal Injury Case
While you are not required by law to hire a personal injury lawyer to represent you, it is in your best interests to obtain legal representation. Your lawyer can take over the case and help get evidence, file the necessary paperwork, negotiate a fair settlement, and argue in the courtroom on your behalf. Your attorney will not be able to guarantee a win, but they will increase your chances of getting fair compensation for your injuries.