By Marcus Fernandez
There were more than 400,000 accidents in the state of Florida in 2017 alone, and those accidents can come with many consequences. From damages to your vehicle and physical injuries, to long-term side effects and loss of work, the potential impact can be hard to foresee in the moments following your accident. If you have been injured as a result of another person’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. With potential medical bills and implications to your quality of life, it is important to seek the maximum compensation to which you are entitled.
Five tips to help maximize your financial compensation after an auto accident injury
Collect Evidence
To detail your pain and suffering, you’ll have to collect as much evidence as possible. You should:
- Report the accident to the police and obtain a report.
- Take photos of the accident scene, your vehicle, as well as any immediate injuries.
- Collect the contact information of anyone else involved in the accident, including eyewitnesses.
- Ask your doctor or physical therapist for all of their documentation.
- Keep a journal of any pain or discomfort you are feeling following your accident.
Most importantly, be sure to keep copies of everything – especially your photos.
Get Medical Treatment
If you have been injured in an accident, it’s critical to see a medical professional as soon as possible. They will be able to examine you to determine the extent of your injuries. They will perform any necessary tests, providing a full account of diagnoses and treatments that are critical to your case.
Your recovery is also essential. In order to get better, you should follow your doctor’s advice to the letter. Not following advice might give the impression that you aren’t as hurt as claimed and could negatively impact your case.
Keep Quiet
While you recover, it is best to stay off of social media. Everything you say – or post – can and will be used against you. For instance, if you’re supposed to be undergoing painful rehabilitation, but are also sharing photos from your latest ski trip – you may not be believed.
It’s best to remain quiet about the accident, the settlement you are seeking, and even your injuries. Let your lawyer do the talking.
Don’t Sell Yourself Short
You’re not limited to damages for lost wages and medical bills. Bad accidents can result in a range of injuries. Emotional distress and loss of enjoyment in formerly pleasurable activities are potential impacts of your car accident. There may be more at stake than initially thought, and this is another reason to take your recovery seriously. Your lawyer will work with you to help build your case and determine the appropriate next steps.
Listen to Your Personal Injury Attorney
It’s critical to find an experienced car accident lawyer. The right attorney has likely handled hundreds of personal injury cases. Through careful consultation and analysis, they can provide you with guidance on how best to pursue your case. Though the final decision is always yours alone, you should at least take some time to listen to your attorney’s thoughts on the matter. Their assistance might result in increased compensation.
Personal injury cases can be long and complex affairs. However, one thing that may help ensure maximum personal injury compensation is to work with an experienced personal injury attorney. They will meet with you to carefully examine your case to help determine if the other party was negligent. By following the tips outlined above, you might just be able to maximize your reward and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
