Are you looking to be properly compensated after an accident?
Millions of Americans every year suffer from injuries caused by someone else’s negligence. If you want to file a claim and get proper help – but you don’t know where to start – this is the right place for you.
Because here, we’re going to give you all the info you need to fight for your rights.
Are you ready to take on insurance companies and the like? Let’s get started, then.
What you’re going to discover:
- What Are Personal Injury Claims?
- Why Injury Attorneys Matter
- The Personal Injury Claims Process
- Common Mistakes That Destroy Your Claim
- How To Maximize Your Settlement
What Are Personal Injury Claims?
Personal injury claims are a kind of legal action which is filed when someone is injured due to another party’s negligence or wrongdoings.
The claim helps the victim in recouping the costs of the damages. For instance, the medical expenses, lost wages and other potential expenses which may occur as a result of the injury. The whole idea here is – to “make the victim whole again.”
Legal injury services provide a wide range of services that cover various kinds of incidents. To have a clearer understanding if your case qualifies for compensation and what steps you need to take next – consider working with professional injury attorneys.
The most common types of personal injury cases include:
- Motor vehicle accidents: car crashes, motorcycle collisions, and truck accidents
- Slip and fall accidents: those happening on someone else’s property
- Medical malpractice: injuries caused by medical staff negligence
- Workplace accidents: those happening on a job
- Product liability: injuries from defective products
According to research, motor vehicle accidents account for 52% of all personal injury cases in the US. They are by far the most common type of incidents for which people seek legal help.
Why Injury Attorneys Matter
You may think that getting legal help is an option, right? Wrong.
Research tells a powerful story of how different things are with professional representation. People who try to handle claims on their own usually end up with much less than they should have.
Here’s what the stats show:
Victims who hire a personal injury lawyer receive settlements almost three times higher than those who go it alone. This gap is not just significant – it can be life-changing if you’re facing huge medical bills and lost income.
Approximately 91% of claimants with legal representation receive a settlement payout, while only 51% of those without attorneys are able to do so. The numbers speak for themselves.
Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and lawyers whose job is to minimize your payout. Going against them without professional assistance leaves you at a considerable disadvantage.
The Personal Injury Claims Process
If you’ve never filed a personal injury claim before – the unknown can be scary. But it doesn’t have to be like that.
Here is what you should know:
Seek Medical Attention
Always go for medical treatment after an accident. Even if you don’t feel hurt badly, seek medical attention. Some injuries don’t show signs immediately and the later you report it, the more insurance companies will dig into it. Getting medical documentation right away is crucial evidence.
Document Everything
Take pictures of the accident scene – the more, the better. Collect names and contact details of all witnesses. Keep records of all medical visits and costs. This evidence becomes the basis of your claim.
File Your Claim
Notify the at-fault party’s insurance company that you plan on claiming compensation. That’s how you start the formal claims process.
Negotiate A Settlement
Most personal injury cases never see a courtroom. Around 95% of all cases settle before trial. Most people prefer the certainty of a settlement over the unpredictability of a jury verdict.
Settlement negotiation is when you need professional assistance the most. Your attorneys know your claim’s value and will fight off lowball offers.
Mistakes That Destroy Your Claim
The majority of people make preventable mistakes. The cost may run into thousands of dollars in compensation.
The most common mistakes are:
- Not seeking medical care quickly enough
- Giving recorded statements without legal advice
- Accepting a lowball first offer
- Posting activities on social media – defense teams are always watching
- Missing filing deadlines
Every state has different statutes of limitations. If you don’t file before time runs out, your case can be barred forever.
Victims who held out for better offers received settlements $30,700 higher than those who accepted first offers. Patience during negotiation pays off.
How To Maximize Your Settlement
Insurance companies have financial incentives to pay you as little as possible. Here’s how to protect yourself.
Follow these steps:
Keep Detailed Records
Keep records of all injury-related expenses: medical costs, prescriptions, travel expenses for appointments, and lost wages. All should factor into your compensation.
Follow The Treatment Plan
Insurance companies look for ways to prove you’re not as injured as you claim. If you skip appointments or ignore doctor’s orders, they’ll use it against you.
Understand Your Case Value
When you claim injury, it’s not just about expenses – but pain and suffering too. Knowing your case’s full value means you won’t accept less than you deserve.
Be Patient, But Persistent
Negotiating takes time. The faster you settle, the more money you likely leave behind. However, stay consistent and push the process forward.
Wrapping Things Up
Successfully navigating personal injury claims is about understanding your rights and taking appropriate actions at the right time.
To sum things up:
- Personal injury claims are filed when someone suffers injury due to another party’s negligence
- Professional legal representation significantly improves your chances of a favorable outcome
- Most personal injury cases settle before trial through negotiation
- Avoiding common mistakes keeps your case value intact
- Patience and detailed records maximize your settlement
Insurance companies have financial reasons to pay you as little as possible. Protect your rights by understanding the process and getting help when you need it.
Don’t let someone’s negligence ruin your life without a fight.
