How you react after your accident will have a deep impact on the outcome of your case. Naturally, you will want to do everything you can to ensure you obtain the best possible outcome in your case. This means educating yourself in advance, so you will how to help your claim succeed.
Get a Medical Evaluation Quickly
One of the first things you should do is get a medical evaluation and seek treatment. This should be done as quickly as possible to show that you’re concerned for your wellbeing. Delaying this step in the process may harm your case because it can lead the insurance company to assume your injuries aren’t as serious as you assert. This can negatively impact your ability to seek a sufficient amount in damages.
Do Not Sign Anything
Very soon after your accident, you’ll be contacted by the insurance company adjuster. This individual will try to tempt you with a quick cash settlement, but it probably won’t be sufficient to cover all of the damages you have suffered. The insurance company knows that you forfeit any further rights to seek damages once you accept a settlement offer, so they will try to pressure you into accepting a low initial offer.
Consult a Lawyer
Research has shown that people who hire attorneys obtain more favorable outcomes than those who try to settle a personal injury claim on their own. This is because attorneys know what damages can be sought and they are far more experienced in negotiating with insurance companies. Even if your attorney can’t get the insurance company to negotiate for a fairer settlement, they will be prepared to pursue your case through the civil court system.
Do Not Discuss Your Case
It’s human nature to want to share our experiences with loved ones and friends, but it’s in your best interests to resist this temptation. You never know who is really on your side and, if the wrong person learns about your case, they may help the opposition. Similarly, many lawyers recommend staying off social media websites until your case has been settled. An unscrupulous insurance adjuster may find a way to use your photos or comments against you. It’s not uncommon for a wedding reception picture or a seemingly innocent comment to sabotage a personal injury claim.
Even after you hire a personal injury attorney, there are some important things you should do to ensure a positive outcome in your claim. If you don’t take the time to understand what factors can impact your claim, you may inadvertently harm your chances for a positive outcome. Working with our personal injury lawyer in Mesa will help you avoid these types of mistakes.
