When you find yourself dealing with injuries following a car accident or other situation, you may be preparing to file a lawsuit so that you can gain compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering, and other damages. However, you should remember that filing a lawsuit does not automatically mean a judge or jury will rule in your favor. If you want to make sure your personal injury lawsuit succeeds, always follow these steps as your case plays out.
Get Medical Treatment
If there is one mistake many accident victims make that costs them compensation for their injuries, it is failing to get medical treatment following their accident. To avoid this critical mistake, always seek medical treatment immediately after you have been hurt. Whether it is allowing paramedics to treat you at the scene of a car crash or going to an ER after being injured by a defective product, always get the treatment you need.
Hire an Experienced Attorney
If you hire an attorney who specializes in real estate law, family law, or an area other than personal injury, chances are your case may not be as successful as it could be based on what happened. Therefore, always hire a personal injury lawyer who specializes in your particular type of accident. Since a personal injury lawyer usually offers free initial consultations and can often meet with you in the hospital or at your home, you can hire a lawyer within days of your accident.
Don’t Talk to Insurance Companies
Following your accident, an insurance company will almost certainly come calling. When this happens, say as little as possible to the company’s representative. While they may sound as if they want to help, they are likely either wanting to get you to say things they can use against you, or instead are hoping they can pressure you into accepting a quick settlement for far less money than you need and deserve.
Stay Off Social Media
While recovering, don’t spend your time posting comments and photos about your accident and case on social media sites. Believe it or not, it is almost certainly an insurance company has investigators who are monitoring your social media accounts. Thus, should you post incriminating photos or make off-the-cuff comments, these will be used against you, and can often result in victims losing out on potentially lucrative settlements.
By using your common sense and listening to the advice of your attorney, you can emerge from your accident with a successful lawsuit and settlement.
Author information: Anica Oaks is a professional content and copywriter who graduated from the University of San Francisco. She loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. She was raised in a big family, so she’s used to putting things to a vote. Also, cartwheels are her specialty. You can connect with Anica here.
