When dealing with the aftermath of a serious accident or injury it can be hard to know what steps to take to get the compensation you are entitled to. Here are some important things to remember to make sure you get the most out of your claim.
Gather All The Important Information
Once you’ve started to recover from your injuries, it is very important to gather as much detailed information, evidence and documentation as possible. If possible take pictures at the scene of the accident that clearly shows the position of all parties involved.
If it is an auto accident, get pictures of the involved vehicles, their license plates and any damage to vehicles or yourself. You will also need the name and insurance information of the owner of the vehicles, and names of any passengers or witnesses to the accident.
You will also need medical information and doctor’s reports on the state of your injuries from the accident, and any follow-up treatments. It also can help to have documentation on your general health before the accident to prove the extent of your injuries. All of this information can help tell the extent of your injuries.
For those suffering from car accident injuries, it is best to consult a physiotherapy
rehabilitation centre as part of your injury recovery plan.
Gather work records that show missed employment, or lost work. Also keep track of any bills from medical expenses, prescriptions, equipment or anything related to the accident that you paid for.
Prepare Yourself for a Long Process
Personal injury claims can take a long time to process and can often be very frustrating for those involved. If you understand this, it can help you to prepare for the long term.
Many claims can take years to process with insurance companies arguing back and forth to try and avoid paying compensation. Often claims do not make it to court and are settled before they go to trial. This can sometimes be beneficial for everyone as you get your compensation faster and the companies avoid a lengthy trial process.
Stay Organized
It is very important to keep all of your documents and records well organized in a place that you can easily access. The insurance companies will require documented proof of everything and the more information you can provide, the better your chances of getting compensation.
Keep medical records in a separate section from repairs or employment records and make sure everything is backed up as a digital copy. It would be a shame to lose out on a claim because of a simple lost or misplaced document.
Understand What Settlements You Are Entitled to
There are many different kinds of injury compensation that you can claim. It is important to know what you are entitled to. These include:
- Economic Loss – you can claim up to 80% of your lost income before and after the trial.
- Pain and Suffering – if you have suffered death, mental, physical or psychological impairment or permanent disfigurement you can sue for pain and suffering.
- Health Care expenses – you can sue to recover health care expenses related to your injury.
Get a Good Personal Injury Lawyer
As we mentioned before, a personal injury claim can be a long process. You want to be sure you have the right team in place to help you navigate. Be sure to ask for references from any prospective lawyers and ask lots of questions to make sure they are the right match for you and your case.
Talk to an expert who has experience and understands all parts of the law involved in your case. Michelle Linka Law Professional Corporation will make sure you get the most compensation you are entitled to. They also work on a contingency basis, which means they only get paid when you do.
Navigating personal injury claims can be stressful. A good personal injury lawyer can help take some of the stress off the process, and make sure you are on track to get the compensation you deserve.
