An accident that happens suddenly can upend your life in a flash. If another person caused the accident that caused you to suffer injuries, obtaining prompt legal help is recommended.
There are simple things that you can do to boost your settlement so that you can get as much compensation as possible. Here are some things that you may be wondering if you have recently suffered minor to severe injuries after a personal injury incident.
Am I required to get medical attention?
You should always get treated by a doctor if you have been in any kind of personal injury accident, regardless if you have actually been injured. You will not know what kind of injuries you have until a doctor conducts a medical exam. Shock or adrenaline can mask the true extent of your injuries or condition, so you must talk to a doctor so that they can examine you and treat you if necessary. If you delay medical attention, that can be used against you because the insurance company can say you were not actually injured.
Do I need to save my medical records?
Preserve all records that show what kind of care you have received and how much they cost. You need these documents to include as part of your body of evidence. This includes prescription medication and receipts, authorization letters from your doctor to take time off work, and treatment care plans for rehabilitative therapies. Having these records can further support your personal injury claim and allow you to get as much compensation as possible to cover your expenses.
What evidence do I need to collect?
Aside from medical records, collect all photos and documents like police reports that may be used to support your case. As a Personal Injury Lawyer Simi Valley, CA like one at Barry P. Goldberg can tell you about, not having compelling evidence, or missing crucial pieces of evidence can make a major difference in the quality of your case. Even if you think that a piece of evidence may not do much for your case, keep it anyway because the lawyer may be able to find a use for it.
Should I accept the first settlement offer?
Never accept the first settlement offer that an insurance company presents to you without consulting with a lawyer. In many cases, it is likely that their first offer does not reflect the full compensation amount that you are entitled to receive. Inform an experienced personal injury lawyer if you have been approached with a settlement offer and they will examine whether it is fair. They will do their own calculations to see if you are being given a quality offer.
When should I file a claim?
If you are wondering when the right time is to talk to a lawyer, the answer is as soon as possible. It is best to get a legal consultation no matter if your personal injury case is complex or not, so request a consultation with a trusted lawyer now.