The reality is that after a car accident, the last thing you want to do is worry about the details of a long legal battle. You already have enough on your mind without worrying about insurance companies, doctor’s appointments, or lost work time. It’s just too much to take! This is why many people who have been harmed in car accidents seek legal assistance from a personal injury lawyer.
Keeping this in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 most basic points to know about personal injury claims. We hope you remember these ideas even if you decide not to engage a personal injury attorney.
Basic Points You Should Know About Personal Injury Lawsuit
Following these 10 guidelines could make a significant impact on your case’s result:
- A Lawsuit can be Filed Only Within a Limited Period of Time
A statute of limitations governs the period of time a victim or the state has to pursue a lawsuit against a defendant in the United States. The limitation period is established by the suspected offence and varies by state. Ensure that you follow the law to the letter and that you file your personal injury claim as soon as feasible. Once that time period has elapsed, you will likely have no recourse and no opportunity to file a complaint.
- Get in touch with your lawyer sooner
Excessive contact with insurance companies or law enforcement officers may have a detrimental effect on the results of your case. Even if you are the victim, you may make a big mistake that jeopardises your chances of receiving the compensation you are entitled to. This happens more often than you might think!
Our advice is to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. Contact your personal injury lawyer before signing anything or committing to any recorded conversations with third parties.
- Make Sure You Receive Medical Attention
You shouldn’t have to wait until you’ve spoken with a lawyer to get medical assistance; you can get it right away. You may need to get medical treatment before any of your physical injuries worsen.
In many cases, the negligent driver’s insurance company will pay for all of your medical bills. Make it a point to save all of your documents and receipts. The most important thing to keep in mind is to put your health first. Personal items can be replaced, but your health must be treated immediately.
- A “No Win No Fee Guarantee” is a good way to find a good Personal Injury Lawyer.
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means you only pay if your case is successful. The amount of your settlement will be reduced by the lawyer’s fee. You will not be responsible for any out-of-pocket expenses. These contingency personal injury law firms are common, and you can find them by doing a simple online search. Inquire about the firm’s contingency fee policy. In certain cases, the law firm will determine whether your case has a chance of success.
- You are More Likely to Receive a Larger Settlement if you Hire a Lawyer
Clients who hire personal injury lawyers, according to studies, receive more compensation. According to statistics, victims who hire an attorney get a 3.5 times bigger settlement than those who do not. Furthermore, litigants who have employed a personal injury attorney receive approximately 85 percent of insurance compensation.
- Make Sure you Include Pain and Suffering in Your Case
It isn’t only about the car or the medical bills. The word “pain and suffering” refers to the emotional distress experienced as a result of the disaster, as well as other life-altering effects. The formula for calculating pain and suffering is as follows: “Pain and suffering is usually calculated by multiplying total medical expenditures by the level of subjective discomfort, which is measured on a scale of 1 to 5.”
A personal injury legal settlement can and will vary in size. Considering the fact that the majority of personal injury cases follow a formula, each one is different. Even though there is no way of confirming how much you should suit for personal injury, your personal injury lawyer at Siman Law Firm can help you figure out how much you should sue for.
- Follow the Instructions Carefully
Follow the advice of your doctor and lawyer. All medical instructions, rehabilitation activities, and restrictions must be followed throughout the case. Also, please make sure to follow any medical advice given after the case is completed. You cannot seek further compensation for additional injuries after a case has been settled. So, follow your doctor’s advice and heal correctly. Always check with your lawyer before signing anything related to your case, and carefully follow your lawyer’s advice and direction.
- Keep All Your Documents Up-to-date
Paper records and receipts, as well as emails and internet data, will be thrown at you. It’s imperative that you keep track of everything. This can be challenging, particularly if you’re doing it for a long time. Finding a receipt 6 months later can be difficult if you don’t create a reliable filing system.
- Physical Documents & Receipts: Go over to your nearby stationery store or search online for a file folder that you can use solely to store physical documents. Start putting all of your documentation in this folder as soon as you get home. Place it in a safe place!
- Emails & Electronic Documents: In your email account, generate a unique file folder (this option is available in all email accounts!). Drag & drop/move all of your emails and electronic confirmations into a file called “lawsuit” for subsequent access.
It takes just 3-4 minutes to double-check that all files are stored properly when you acquire them, and this habit will save you hours of effort and potential problems in the future when you can retrieve all of those documents at any time.
- Clearly Present the Issues
Avoid posting photos or updates on social media that make your injuries appear minor. It will come back to bite you in the end. Reduce the number of issues you have as much as feasible. If you are in pain, you must speak up. You should not feel guilty about collecting the compensation to which you are entitled.
It’s important to keep in mind that the amount of money you receive will be based on your pain and suffering. To establish how much you should be awarded for pain and suffering, courts will rate your misery on a scale of 1 to 5. As a result, lowering your rating will make you eligible for less. Allowing your humiliation to prevent you from receiving a legally binding settlement is a mistake.
- It can Take Time to Settle Personal Injury Cases
Our attorneys remind clients that most cases are resolved outside of court when they inquire about personal injury settlements. At the Siman Law Firm, our personal injury attorneys are not afraid to take a case to court if it means getting the full compensation for the client.
Once the case is concluded, personal injury settlement cheques take four to six weeks to arrive. However, this is the average. To find out how long it will take to collect your payment, speak with your attorney.