Sustaining a personal injury, whether on a job or otherwise, can be extremely stressful and disruptive. If your injuries have been caused due to someone else’s mistakes, you are most likely entitled to compensation. However, filing an insurance claim is rarely ever a straight-cut process. There are dos and don’ts of handling a personal injury case that you should understand before you take any steps. We’ve put together some of the most important points in an easy-to-read guide that should set you on the right path.
The Dos
Let’s start with the things you should absolutely do when you experience a personal injury. First thing first, get medical assistance.
Get Medical Attention
Accidents of any kind can be life-changing. If you’ve been involved in an accident, it is imperative that you seek medical attention as soon as possible. Depending on the type of accident, you might have sustained injuries that you can’t even see. Having a medical professional take a good look at you is a great way of eliminating any serious risks. That being said, seeking medical attention is also important for your compensation claim. You’ll want to have all of your injuries well documented by your physician. That way if you incur unforeseen medical expenses, you can add them to your claim.
Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer
Fighting a personal injury claim can be a quick and easy process, but it’s almost always a long and tedious battle. Hiring a professional to help you navigate the murky waters of personal injury law is a good way to set yourself up for success. That being said, it’s imperative that you find a lawyer who understands the federal and municipal laws. If you’re in BC, you’ll want to find a personal injury lawyer in British Columbia. Having a professional by your side will greatly improve your odds of getting the compensation you’re entitled to. Personal injury lawyers know the ins and outs of the entire process, as well as how to address any of the challenges that might arise along the way.
Write Everything Down
Facts matter. More importantly, accurate facts that can be proven matter the most. It’s always a good idea to write everything down. Run a journal of your experiences regarding the accident, as well as your road to recovery. Take note of everything that you’re experiencing along the way. Every pain you’ve felt, every expense you’ve incurred, and anything else that might prove to be useful in court.
It’s easy to underestimate injuries, especially when you can’t tell how long the recovery will last. Sometimes you’ll spring back to full health in a matter of weeks, but sometimes it takes years. Writing everything down and consulting with your doctor is a great way to somewhat reduce the risk of long-term injuries. In case something does happen, you’ll have some trail of evidence suggesting that the accident is what caused these long-term conditions.
Document Everything
Running a journal is great, but there’s always more you can do to document your injuries. Start by taking pictures of the scene of the accident if you can. Whatever you do, don’t delay seeking medical attention on account of taking these pictures. Fortunately for us, just about everyone has a smartphone in their pocket that features a pretty decent camera. If you’ve been involved in a vehicular accident, snap a few photos of the scene, take a picture of the other party’s license plates as well as the driver themselves. That way you have their face and tag in case they decide to depart the scene of the accident before the police arrive.
File Your Claim ASAP
Filing your personal injury claim is something that should be done as soon as you’re able to. Depending on where you live, there could be a fixed deadline in place. If you miss the deadline, you won’t be able to get any compensation from your insurance provider. Because of that, it’s important that you file your claim immediately.
The Don’ts
Just like there are several dos, there are also several important don’ts you need to pay attention to. Getting carried away and ignoring some of these can land you in a difficult position, or potentially throw a wrench in your insurance claim process.
Don’t Post Anything on Social Media
Stay away from social media. Don’t talk about your accident, don’t post any pictures, or offer any comments regarding what happened. The best thing you can do is simply not use any social media until your case has been resolved. Insurance companies will fight you tooth and nail if that means they won’t have to compensate you for your injuries. They will sift through your social media accounts and use anything you post against you if they can. By staying away from social media, you’re depriving them of ammunition that could very well prevent you from winning your case.
Don’t Talk to the Other Party
If you’ve been involved in a vehicular accident, don’t confront the other driver or talk to their insurance. Make sure they’re okay if you’re able to, exchange information, and wait for the police to arrive. Getting into a heated argument with the other party can only make the entire process more difficult. Don’t let your emotions take over, no matter how difficult that might be. When the police arrive, don’t sign or confess to anything before you consult a lawyer.
Don’t Agree to a Settlement Until Your Recovery is Complete
Prematurely settling with your insurance company is a great way to be left with a bunch of medical bills that you’ll have to pay out of pocket. It’s always a good idea to wait until all your injuries have been treated, and you’ve been prescribed the necessary therapies, whether medicinal or physical.
Be Vigilant
Personal injury cases can sometimes be difficult to prove. However, with the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer, you will have a fighting chance and a powerful ally at your side. Make sure to choose a lawyer you can communicate with and one who cares about the outcome of your case.
Photo credit: Piqsels
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