Tips For Filing Personal Injury Claims

You can suffer from a personal injury at any time, so it is important to know exactly what to do if that happens. If you decide to file a personal injury claim, there are a few tips that can help. The important thing is to be educated on what to look for and what to avoid, so that nothing too detrimental happens to you in addition to the initial injury itself. Here are a few tips that might help you should you be in this situation.

1. There are many different kinds of accidents out there, but if you have been injured in an assault for example, you need to seek medical help as soon as possible. Addressing your injuries should be your first priority, and it also shows the law and insurance companies that you did everything you could to prevent further injury to yourself. If an insurance company feels that you prolonged getting medical help, they can use that against you by saying you are at fault for negligence.

2. If you can, always file a police report. Gathering as much documentation as possible is always useful when building a case. Insurance companies like to see cold hard facts and numbers, so having every piece of evidence will surely help you get everything that you need to be reimbursed.

Tips For Filing Personal Injury Claims

3. If the accident in question is a car incident, do not discuss specifics with the other person involved. That means you don’t need to fully disclose your injuries or talk about who is at fault for the injury and accident. Just do your best to avoid making statements that the other person could use against you. Whether this is through their insurance company or an attorney, if they get one. The best way to approach things is to be vague until you can get all the facts straight through a third party such as a police officer or medical doctor.

4. Do not sign any documents during or after the injury incident if you do not completely understand them. Sometimes the other party will try to get you to waive the liability in the accident and take away your right to pursue a lawsuit. If you are unsure about anything that has been presented to you, the best way to tackle that is by immediately consulting a personal injury attorney. They will be able to not only explain any documentation, but also advise you on what your next steps should be in your reaction to them.

5. Avoid trying to settle the feud on your own without a personal injury attorney. While it sounds exhausting to have to hire a professional to help you with this case, it can greatly benefit you in the long run. There are so many loop holes out there in legal matters that the opposing party may try to trick you with, and having a personal injury lawyer will assist in avoiding these kinds of moves. They have the experience and training to tell you if you are getting a good deal or not, and it is important that you aren’t for a fool by another person or company.

6. Do some research on the legal process before you file your claim or lawsuit. If you have a general idea of what to expect in the future, then it might be an easier process for you. Nothing is worse than being blind to what is happening following a traumatic event, so a little preparation might be a very smart decision.

Written by Kellie Bertels, an attorney with the firm Bandré, Hunt & Snider, LLC where they are the leading personal injury attorneys in Jefferson City MO.


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