If you’ve been injured in an accident due to another party’s negligent or reckless actions, you may be considering a personal injury claim. Whether car accidents, slip and falls, or workplace injuries, these types of accidents are most common in personal injury claims and often end with a settlement. However, getting a personal injury settlement isn't always easy. Finding the right attorney, and settling your case against the person who caused you harm, takes time and effort.
This article has five steps to successfully maximizing your personal injury settlement and recovering compensation for your losses.
1. Have a Specific Settlement Amount in Mind
A personal injury claim may officially begin with a settlement demand letter, which should outline what you believe your claim is worth. If you’ve hired a personal injury lawyer, he or she will provide their expertise in determining a settlement amount. They’ll take into consideration your medical bills, lost income, your expected medical prognosis and what costs may be expected down the line. If applicable, he or she will also guide you through compensation amounts for intangible losses, like pain and suffering.
The more evidence you have to prove your claim, the better off your claim will be. A personal injury lawyer’s role is to build evidence to bolster your claim and try to maximize your compensation.
2. Do Not Jump At The First Offer
Avoid low-ball offers at all costs. Some adjusters may offer a lower initial settlement than the minimum. This is a common tactic that adjusters use to get a better understanding of your claim. They also try to settle your case as quickly as possible (and at the lowest cost).
Don't accept a too-low settlement if an adjuster offers you one, even if your claim is not worth it. Instead, speak to your adjuster and ask for specific reasons for the low offer. And get help from an experienced personal injury lawyer if you have any questions or need to re-examine the offers.
3. Substantiate Your Claim
A personal injury claim is different from any other type of claim. You must prove that the damage you want to recover is proportionate to your injuries. An insurance company will less likely lower your settlement if you have a paper trail that records everything, including medical expenses and reduced wages.
You must document all costs incurred from the time of the accident until the negotiations start. This includes receipts of emergency transportation, medical expenses, treatment costs, and any applicable documentation that you can use as non-quantifiable assets (i.e. pain and emotional suffering in your claim).
4. Understand the Statute of Limitations
There is a deadline for filing personal injury lawsuits in the United States - called Statutes of Limitations. In most cases, you will be required to file a claim within two years from the date of your accident. Otherwise, you will not be eligible for compensation.
So, prepare your case as soon as possible after the accident to prevent the claim from being "timing in". Don't wait for too long before you start assembling witnesses and collecting pieces of evidence.
5. Get a Good Personal Injury Lawyer
You could negotiate a settlement, but it's usually best to hire an attorney to secure a higher compensation. This shows that you are serious about your business and are suitable for your insurance company.
An experienced lawyer will help maximize the chances of your claim success and allow you to get the amount you are entitled to. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you achieve the best settlement. They will be familiar with the law and will be able to negotiate on your behalf.
Even if you don't have a lot to spend, you might be able to get a lawyer that works on a contingency agreement. The lawyer will only be paid if you win your case. Contact a personal injury lawyer right away.
Work With a Personal Injury Attorney to Help You Get Higher Settlement
Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as you sustain an injury to increase your chances of receiving the highest possible claim. You can start building your case today.
It takes more time to gather the evidence you need to support your claim. You also have to recover the maximum settlement possible. With this extra time, you can feel secure that your case is handled professionally.
Brandon J. Broderick, Personal Injury Lawyers that Turn Setbacks into Comebacks
We get it. An unexpected accident caused by someone else's negligence or reckless actions can have an impact on your health, well-being, and finances which can cause worry, fear, and anxiety -- for you and your family. Wouldn’t it be a relief to know you could count on a trusted friend and advisor to passionately champion for you? Someone who’s got your best interests in mind?
At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, we believe in exceptional client care, empathy, and results. With our long track record of success, you can count on us to take the best strategy and work tirelessly for your quality of life. Our personal injury attorneys have decades of experience representing victims in all types of claims. We’ve helped people just like you move forward after sustaining an injury that was caused by another’s negligence. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Don't go it alone. We have law offices across New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut.