Legal Guide

7 Tips to Boost Your Injury Claim Settlement

The defendant and injured person are trying to reach a settlement in most personal injury claims. That's because they both want to avoid the court expenses which may sometimes cost a fortune. As an injured party, you need to fight for the settlement that will valuably compensate the injuries you suffer from.

There are different methods and tips that can help you maximize the settlement amount. Below, you can find 7 tips on how to increase your claim settlement.

1.   Document the damage to your vehicle

It's very important to collect as much evidence as possible when an accident occurs. That said, inspect and photograph any damage to your car if you are in a car collision. Any videos, photos, and other proof are extremely useful in determining which party is at fault. It's a good idea to take your automobile to a trustworthy mechanic for a professional inspection. Do not allow the mechanic to reuse or change any damaged part.

2. Document the accident scene

Don't leave the scene of the accident. Stay there and take photos with your phone. Those photos should credibly show your injury, the damages to all vehicles involved, and their license plates. Take both far away and close up shots.

Besides, you should get an accident or incident report. Contact authorities and ask them to come and make a police report at the accident scene. Otherwise, go to the nearby police station and request a counter report.

3. Collect contact information from all witnesses

Did anyone see the incident? If yes, don't blow your chance to get his/her contact info. Try to get the witnesses to make a statement right away that day when the accident happened. This can make the difference between losing and winning your claim.

4. Request a reasonable offer from the adjuster

Most adjusters will try to make a low offer in the first conversation with you. Don't let the adjuster trick you into lowering the settlement amount! Obviously, that's just a negotiating tactic the adjusters use to see whether a victim knows what his claim is truly worth.

5. Know your insurance coverage

Insurance law can be a bit tricky or arcane, so it's important to understand your insurance coverages clearly. Understanding your coverages can help you boost your personal injury settlement. Don't hesitate to consult a lawyer for clarifications if needed. Then contact your insurance company and require them to immediately send all the medical bills to your lawyer for dispersal.

6. Go to the "right" doctor

Get immediate medical treatment after the accident. Depending on the severity and type of your injury, this may involve:

  • Emergency treatment
  • Chiropractic treatment (physical therapy)
  • Diagnostic treatment

If you suffer a serious injury, make sure to see a medical expert who will diagnose and treat your condition properly.

7. Hire an experienced attorney

One of the most effective ways to enhance your injury claim settlement is to engage an attorney. A personal injury lawyer should be hired when:

  • There's any question of fault.
  • You're claiming future damages.
  • You're seeking compensation for severe pain and injury in case you suffer beyond several thousand dollars.

If you've done these 7 things properly, you are very likely to obtain the appropriate settlement for your injury. If the car accident injury was fatal for a loved one, no settlement amount can compensate for the loss. Yet, wrongful death lawsuit loans allow the victim's family to get any kind of closure and resolution. That will at least alleviate pain to some extent.


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