If you were injured due to the carelessness or negligence of another person, you might be able to recover compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. Filing a legal claim can be a lengthy and challenging process. Every case is unique and needs to be handled in a special sort of way. Without the guidance of a reputed and experienced solicitor, you’re at a loss. In the UK, the role of the solicitor is to act on behalf and give advice to clients.
Maximum Settlement For Your Personal Injury Case
A personal injury solicitor will help you establish proof that the accident wasn’t your fault. What is more, they’ll ensure you don’t lose out on the compensation you deserve because of a paperwork error, a legal loophole, or a mere technicality.
Naturally, you’ll want to make the most out of your personal injury claim. Your settlement should be as fair and reasonable as possible. Here are some ways you can increase your chances of obtaining all that your case warrants for your pay-out.
Collect And Preserve All Evidence
The most important aspect of building a personal injury case is collecting and preserving evidence. The accident must be documented, so don’t leave the premises right away. Your actions can mean the difference between winning or losing the case. Gather any evidence that helps you prove the circumstances of the incident took place the way you claim they did. This can include:
- Accident reports
- Photographs & videos
- Medical records (and bills)
- Financial documents (e.g., pay stubs)
- Insurance documents
- Witness statements
- Expert statements
You may not have the authority to access certain documents, such as surveillance footage. In this case, your solicitor can be of help. Legal decisions are made based on the burden of proof.
Follow The Doctor’s Orders
Get medical treatment, even if you’re not sure about the extent of your injuries. The longer you wait to get examined, the more challenging it will be to prove your pain and suffering and recover compensation. Medical care plays an important role in restoring and maintaining health. Also, the medical records will allow your solicitor to support your claim. Get hold of x-rays, doctor’s notes, and your patient file. If you don’t get medical attention, the insurance company will doubt you’re really injured. Follow your physician’s recommendations. If they prescribe medication and rehabilitative therapy, make sure to comply with their orders.
Make sure you’re treated for emotional ailments
Don’t neglect your mental health. It’s normal to experience stress symptoms before and after the accident. They’re temporary, so they’ll resolve on their own. Nonetheless, if your negative emotions don’t go away, this could be a warning sign. If your anxiety is higher than normal and you have flashbacks of the event, your mind is still processing the effects of the traumatic event. Get the necessary and appropriate medical care so that you can get on the road to recovery. One of the most effective treatments to help you heal from trauma is cognitive behavioural therapy. Psychologists provide CBT privately and through several health insurance companies.
File A Personal Injury Claim
There’s a statute of limitations, so it’s not recommended to wait too long to file your personal injury claim. Personal injury cases should be filed within three years from the day the accident took place. Exceptions to this rule are industrial diseases. Your solicitor will gather the evidence and notify the negligent party that you want to begin claims proceedings. They’ll submit a demand letter to the negligent party’s insurance company, which includes details like how the accident happened, how the defendant is responsible for the incident, the extent of your injuries, and in what way you suffered.
When Making a Claim, Have A Specific Amount of Money in Mind
Let your solicitor handle insurance company communications, including settlement offers. When making an initial settlement demand, have a specific amount of money in mind. It’s not unreasonable to ask for at least three times the amount of medical expenses. If you can explain the reasoning behind your decision, even better. Your personal injury solicitor will help you establish an appropriate amount. Start negotiating with the right amount. Think about the minimum amount you’re willing to accept. When the solicitor calls the insurance adjuster, they’ll identify the strengths and weaknesses of the proposed settlement amount.
Don’t Accept the First Offer
In case you didn’t know, insurance companies aren’t in the business of giving money, even though it’s their job to honour claims. Your solicitor will present the insurer’s first offer. Make sure to reject it because it doesn’t reflect the true value of the case. Negotiate for a higher settlement. In the short run, you could really benefit from the money the insurance company offers. But if you go ahead and accept the offer, you’ll be cheating yourself out of money. The insurer isn’t your ally or friend. They don’t have your best interest at heart.
Include Past, Current, And Future Damages
Any personal injury claim involves past, current, and future damages. You and your solicitor can use evidence such as medical bills to show past damages. The solicitor will also take a look at how the accident affected your personal life and wellbeing. The value of past and current damages depends on the severity of your injury, your income, and other factors. But what about future damages? Future damages can be awarded if there’s knowledge about a loss or injury in the future. Once you accept the settlement offer, you can’t go back and ask for more money. Make sure you’re compensated for losses you may sustain in future time.
Stay Off Social Media
Finally, yet importantly, limit social media time. Anything posted on the Internet can serve as evidence. Insurance investigators will take a look at your social media profiles. They’ll even check the accounts of your friends and family, searching for photos, texts, and posts to use as evidence. Contradictory social media posts can ruin your claim. This is precisely why it’s best to stay off socials. Don’t speak about the accident, and don’t allow family and friends to discuss your situation online.