If you were injured in an accident caused at little to no fault of your own, you could seek compensation for your losses by filing a personal injury claim against the at-fault party. This post goes over a few proactive steps you can take to protect your right to compensation and maximize the value of your claim.
Kreger Brodish, LLP, is a phone call away and ready to help you on the road toward maximum compensation. Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. Read on to learn more about preserving your right to legal compensation after an accident.
Tips to Maximize the Value of Your Personal Injury Claim
Whether you can take each step recommended below will depend on the seriousness of your accident and injuries. That said, following these tips where possible will help get your personal injury claim off to a strong start:
- Seek prompt medical attention – You should see a doctor as soon as possible after an accident to ensure that your injuries are properly diagnosed and treated. In addition to tending to your wellbeing, having your injuries evaluated by a doctor early on will make sure they are thoroughly documented in your medical records, which will become the primary source of evidence used to calculate the compensation you are owed.
- Preserve evidence – Collect and preserve as much evidence as possible, starting at the scene of the accident itself. Take photos and videos of the aftermath of the accident, including things like vehicle damage, your injuries, nearby surveillance cameras, weather conditions, evidence of intoxication, and anything else that could help prove the at-fault party’s liability and the extent of your losses.
- Follow your treatment plan – Stick to your doctor’s care plan. Putting off treatment or refusing to follow their recovery plan could give the at-fault party’s insurer ammunition to argue that your injuries are not as serious as you claim.
- Keep records of your expenses – Remember to keep copies of any bills, invoices, and receipts related to your medical treatment, rehabilitation, property damage, etc. If you cannot work because of your injuries, you should also save pay stubs, bank records, and other records documenting your lost income.
Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Personal Injury Claim
In addition to following the steps above, be sure to avoid the following pitfalls:
- Missing the Filing Deadline – Do not wait too long to have your case reviewed by a personal injury attorney. The statute of limitations in North Carolina normally gives you three years from the date of your accident to file a claim in court seeking compensation from the at-fault party. However, if you wait too long, key evidence is likely to disappear. Your attorney will also have less time to build a strong case on your behalf.
- Giving Adjusters Permission to Record a Call or Access Your Medical Records – If you receive a call from the at-fault party’s insurer, the adjuster on the phone will likely request to record your conversation. They may also ask you to sign a release to gain access to your medical records. You should not give either and are not legally obligated to do so. The adjuster will scour the recording and records for anything they can use to twist your words and deny your claim.
- Accepting an early settlement offer – Insurance adjusters may also make a settlement offer soon after the accident. Though the offer may seem tempting, you should not accept it before consulting with a lawyer. Chances are an early settlement offer from an insurer will seriously undervalue your claim. If you accept, there is no turning back. Speaking to an attorney first can ensure that you get all of the money you deserve.
Consult With an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney Today
If you were injured in an accident at little to no fault of your own, you deserve full and fair compensation from the at-fault party. The legal team at Kreger Brodish, LLP, has extensive experience handling personal injury claims. We are ready to handle yours and make sure you do not miss out on any compensation you are owed. Contact us to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a skilled Durham personal injury lawyer today.
