How to Protect Your Personal Injury Claim
If you were involved in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. However, to receive this compensation, you’ll need to file a personal injury claim. Unfortunately, making a mistake during the claims process can significantly reduce the amount of compensation you receive, or even result in your claim being denied altogether.
Safeguarding a Personal Injury Claim
It’s important to protect your personal injury claim from the moment an accident occurs. Everything you say or do after this point can have an impact on your potential recovery.
The information below will discuss how you can protect your personal injury claim and increase your chances of receiving the full amount of compensation you deserve.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
The most important step you can take to protect your personal injury claim is to seek medical attention as soon as possible after the accident. Even if you feel fine immediately following the incident, some injuries, such as whiplash or concussions, may not become apparent until hours or days later.
Waiting to get medical assistance is also hazardous to your claim. If you hesitate to go to the hospital or see a doctor, this can be interpreted by the responsible party as you not having injuries that are as serious as you claim they are.
Avoid Posting on Social Media
In today's digital age, it can be tempting to post about every aspect of your life on social media. However, anything you post online about your accident or injuries could potentially be used against you in court.
Insurance companies and defense attorneys can use your social media posts to argue that your injuries are not as serious as you claim or to undermine your credibility. To protect your personal injury claim, avoid posting anything related to your accident or injuries on social media.
If you haven’t already, you should also set your social media settings to private and refrain from posting altogether to ensure the other side can’t find information to twist against you.
Keep Detailed Records
Keep detailed records of everything related to your accident, including medical bills and reports, receipts for out-of-pocket expenses, and documentation of lost wages. You should also keep a journal to document your pain and suffering following the accident.
This information can help your lawyer build a strong case that demonstrates the physical, emotional, and financial impact of the accident someone else caused.
Choose Your Words Carefully
When speaking with insurance adjusters or anyone else involved in your personal injury claim, it’s essential that you choose your words carefully. Anything you say could be used against your claim in court, so avoid admitting fault or downplaying your injuries. Stick to the facts and let your lawyer handle any negotiations with the insurance company.
Work with an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer
Finally, one of the most important steps you can take to protect your personal injury claim is to work with an experienced personal injury lawyer. A good lawyer can help you navigate the claims process and ensure that your rights are protected. They can also negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and work to maximize your compensation.
Conclusion
Filing a personal injury claim can be a daunting process, but taking these steps can help you protect your claim and increase your chances of receiving the full amount of compensation you deserve.
Seek medical attention immediately, avoid posting on social media, keep detailed records, choose your words carefully when speaking with insurance adjusters, and work with an experienced personal injury lawyer. By following these tips, you can protect your personal injury claim and focus on your recovery.
For more information on filing a personal injury claim, contact the Law Office of Robert J. Kaiser.