A personal injury can cause many problems in your life. It can cause serious financial problems if you have extensive medical bills, not to mention the physical toll it can take on your body. You can file a claim against the responsible parties to recover what you have lost. You should know how to make sure you get fair compensation when dealing with a personal injury.
File a Police Report
The first step is to file a police report if you were injured. Give the police a factual description of what happened. Be careful not to admit fault. A police report is critical because your claim could be questioned or denied if you do not have an official accounting of what happened. Insurances companies also require a police report.
Collect Evidence from the Scene Quickly
Collect evidence from the scene as quickly as you can. If you are seriously injured, then try to get a friend to do this. You want to get the names and contact information for any witnesses. Take pictures of the scene including the property, vehicle or other causes of your injury. This will make it much easier to prove your case.
Save All Documents, Bills and Paperwork
Document everything after a personal injury. This should include letters from insurers, medical reports, bills and changes in income. Request documentation if you have expenses or contact with medical professionals relating to the injury. Documentation will clearly show many of your basic damages.
Get Professional Medical Treatment for Problems Right Away
Get medical treatment right away if you think you were injured. If you delay, then the other party could argue the injuries did not occur from accident or incident. Get a full examination. Return to the hospital later if you experience new or changing symptoms. Keep a good record of dates you go to the doctor and any related expenses.
Never Talk To Insurance Company Representatives Alone
Insurers will attempt to offer you very low settlements after an injury. They could also try to trick you into admitting liability. Never talk to insurance company representatives alone. Always have representation and never sign any documents without fully understanding them first.
Always Talk To an Attorney
Always talk to an attorney after a personal injury. An attorney can help you to get fair compensation for things like future lost income, pain and suffering and other damages that you might not know about. Lawyers can handle insurance companies and litigate if necessary. Hiring an attorney is your best chance of winning fair compensation.
You need to act fast after a personal injury. You have to file a claim before a certain deadline. You want to be certain to document everything and speak with a lawyer, say the experts at Kitchen Simeson Belliveau Llp. You can get the fair compensation you deserve if you take the right steps.
This article is courtesy of Anita Ginsburg, a freelance writer from Denver who often writes about home, family, law and business. A mother of two, she enjoys traveling with her family when she isn’t writing.
