Justice and compensation - 4 ways to maximize your settlement after an accident

When you’ve been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, it’s natural to experience a rollercoaster of emotions. You’re angry and confused, you may experience feelings of regret that you didn’t take different action that day, you’re worried about the future and you’re desperate for answers and to be told that everything will be ok.

Finding a personal injury lawyer is vital. It’s the best way to ensure that you get the compensation you need to get on with your life, to cover medical expenses, to help support your family while you cannot work and to make you feel as though justice has been done. But, what else could you do to maximize your compensation after an accident? Read on to discover 4 ways.

Seek medical treatment

At this stage, your health should be a priority. You're going to need strength both physically and mentally to pursue a personal injury case, so if you have sustained injuries you must seek medical treatment first. Not only will this preserve your health, but it also allows your medical team to formally note and detail your injuries, details of which will be used in your case. They will also prescribe a medical plan – which you must follow – medications, treatment plans and anything else you may need for the foreseeable future. This kind of information can help set a benchmark for the amount of compensation you need to recuperate.

Gather evidence

Just like any trial, the jury will be able to make a decision based on the evidence provided. So, you must gather as much evidence as possible. Your lawyer will also be able to do this, but the more you can assist, the better. If you were involved in a road traffic accident then you should photograph and video damage to the vehicles, your injuries, note the conditions and the time of day. If you were injured in a public place, you could ask witnesses for their details so they can be contacted later, photograph whatever caused or contributed towards your injury. Get hold of your medical records and the police report to give weight to your case.

Understand your injuries

So, you've broken your leg. That alone is incredibly debilitating and devastating. However, when pursuing a claim you should be looking at the bigger picture. Yes, you'll need compensating for medical bills, physio and time off work, but what about the other issues you should be compensated for? Emotional damages, stress, anxiety, fear, loss of enjoyment, loss of physicality in your relationships etc. Your injuries probably go far beyond pain and discomfort. Your attorney will inform you here.

Stay away from social media

Talking about your case online could be damning. And if you’re claiming for loss of enjoyment yet photographed white water rafting on your holidays then prepare for your claim to be questioned. Keep silent and avoid talking about your case with anyone other than your lawyer.