Navigating Personal Injury Claims With Confidence and Clarity
You can never really be prepared for the reality of being involved in an accident. You might face a heap of problems ranging from exorbitant medical bills to disruptive insurance calls, endless paperwork, and a confusing legal journey.
Filing a personal injury claim can help you pursue compensation for your losses. However, the challenges you encounter on this path can leave you feeling out of your depth. Knowing the basics with the help of a personal injury lawyer, claims work will help you set realistic expectations while planning your next steps.
Your Legal Rights After an Injury
When someone else’s carelessness harms you, you have options. Personal injury law gives you the right to seek damages to cover:
Current and future medical bills
Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
Damaged property
Loss of enjoyment of life
Pain and suffering
Many injury victims ask for less than they deserve because they only think about their current medical bills. A proper review of your losses involves looking at how your injury affects your life as a whole, including your future.
Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Case
Certain mistakes made during the process of filing a personal injury claim could greatly reduce what you receive. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:
Talking to Insurance Companies Without a Lawyer
Don’t give recorded statements to insurance adjusters without your personal injury lawyer present. Insurance providers often seek to pay out as little as possible, and they’ll use your words against you if they can.
Accepting the First Settlement Offer You Get
Insurance companies may offer a quick settlement hoping you’ll accept before you know how bad your injuries really are. The truth is that these early offers are almost always insufficient.
Delaying or Forgoing Medical Care
Gaps in your medical care will allow the other side to argue that your injuries aren’t serious or weren’t sustained in the accident. See a doctor even if your accident seemed minor, like slipping and falling on a wet floor.
How a Personal Injury Case Progresses
Personal injury cases follow a specific progression, though the timing of each phase can vary. Here’s how you can expect your case to shape up:
Medical Treatment
First and foremost, you must address the effects of your injury. Keeping thorough records is vital during this stage. Every doctor visit, therapy session, and prescription offers concrete proof of how your injury has impacted your life.
Evidence Gathering
Next, your personal injury attorney will compile evidence to present to the insurance company. This may include medical records, bills, and similar documentation.
Negotiation
Most personal injury cases are resolved through negotiation, but it’s important to operate from a position of strength. This means establishing firm boundaries and being ready to go to court if needed.
Litigation (if Necessary)
If negotiation doesn’t result in a fair settlement offer, the final step is to go to court. While a trial will take longer, it may be the only way to get fair payment.
Get Your Life Back on Track
The money you recover from your claim will help you rebuild your life and offset any potential disruptions your accident may have caused in the present or threatens to cause in the future. However, the process is a delicate one. Working with a competent attorney will help you approach it with confidence and clarity. If you’re ready to talk about your situation with an experienced personal injury attorney, contact Schiff & Associates today for a free consultation. We’ll help you understand your rights and options and develop a plan that fits your specific needs.