What Are The Key Steps To A Successful Personal Injury Case?
Personal injury cases can be tricky to navigate. In a sense, the clock is ticking as soon as the accident occurs and any move you make could potentially cost you the case. We have prepared a personal injury case checklist. If you get injured, you’ll likely need financial help to deal with medical bills, money lost from not working, etc.
So here is our personal injury case checklist, all 8 key steps you need to take for a successful personal injury case.
Personal Injury Case Checklist
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Don’t Accept the Blame
If you’ve ever seen a cop show you know that when someone is arrested, they are told that anything they say may be used against them in a court of law. This also applies to accidents. If you tell the person that the accident was your fault, this could be all they need to stop your personal injury claim case in court. Even saying something innocent like you’re sorry may be taken as an admission that it was your fault.
Make sure to pay close attention to what everyone is saying and be sure to give nothing but absolute facts instead of opinions.
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Call the Authorities
All accidents should be reported to the proper authorities. Reporting establishes a paper trail that could be used in court if needed. You should also get any injuries documented and checked as early as possible. These medical records and medical bills will be important to your personal injury claim.
If you experience pain following an accident, let the police know so that they can document it and have it checked out.
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Document Everything
Speaking of documenting, make sure that you properly document everything that happens in an accident. The responding police officers should make documents, but it helps to have your own on hand. Make sure to take pictures of the property damage, including personal damage, with your phone.
Get the names and contact information of potential witnesses too who were at the accident scene. Those at the accident scene can provide valuable documentation and compliment the police report.
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Have a Doctor Look You Over
It’s possible the injury might not manifest for a few days. Make sure you go to your doctor and get checked out when you can. This ensures you get the medical attention you need while also adding to the paper trial for court proceedings. These medical records and medical bills help in personal injury cases establishing pain and suffering.
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Listen to Your Doctor
Many people have destroyed their own cases by not following their doctor’s orders. If a doctor tells you to get plenty of bed rest for a week and you’re working again in a few days, then you do more than compromise your recovery. You are also giving a defense attorney ammunition to use against you. They can claim that you exaggerated your injuries. Always listen to your doctor and do what they say. The doctors instructions will always be contained in your personal medical records.
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Lawyer Up
Lawyers, much like doctors, have their own specialties. You shouldn’t hire a tax attorney for your divorce, and you shouldn’t hire a corporate attorney for a personal injury case. Find a personal injury lawyer. If possible, find one who has experience in your kind of injury, such as a lawyer with a history of malpractice cases.
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Don’t Sign Anything
If you were to sign a settlement offer or a statement admitting you were at fault, then you aren’t going to get the compensation you deserve. Make sure a personal injury attorney looks through settlement offers before you sign them.
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Don’t Talk to Insurance Companies Without Consultation
Keep in mind that you might be fighting the insurance company themselves, as well as the people they represent. You should have an attorney who can act as a go-between for all parties.
If you are injured due to the negligence of someone else, then you are deserving of all potential compensation. The only way you can do that is to handle the situation properly though. Keep
Call us at 980-239-2275. We offer a free consultation.
