What your car accident case is worth depends on a number of factors. If you have damages and can prove that the other driver is liable, your chances of winning your car accident claim are good. Insurance companies often prefer to settle a car accident claim because a settlement means more control over the final outcome than if a jury decides the award.
You will need proof that the other driver was at fault for the crash. This proof may come from witness accounts of the collision, photos of the accident scene, police reports, and testimony from accident reconstruction specialists.
You will need proof of the damages to warrant compensation. You need to prove the damages you claim through your medical records, documentation of income loss, and testimony from experts like doctors.
1. Preserve Evidence!
The other party is going to decide whether to offer you a fair settlement based on the strength of your case. That means the more you can do to preserve evidence, the greater the chance of settling. A jury will decide a case by looking at the evidence. You should take photos of the accident scene and your immediate injuries if you’re able. It’s important to try to collect the names and contact information of witnesses. If there’s a police report, you will want to get a copy as soon as possible. Your attorney can follow up on this information to collect detailed witness statements and prepare the case.
2. Get Medical Treatment!
Winning your personal injury case means getting a fair payment for your injuries and other losses. To do this, you need an accurate picture of your damages. You will need doctors and other health care professionals to document your injuries and formulate a treatment plan. This documentation can encourage the other side to come to the table and offer a higher settlement. You should get medical treatment, even if you’re unsure about the extent of your injuries. If your doctor recommends a treatment plan, you should carefully follow it. This should include seeking any necessary physical therapy and treatment for things like flashbacks and post-traumatic stress.
An injury can result in both immediate and long term loss. You might not fully recover from your injuries before your case is settled. It is crucial to consider future recovery when negotiating a settlement amount. You can include future damages as part of your claim. In some cases, future damages might even comprise the majority of your losses. You need to work with medical professionals to document these losses and include them in your claim.
3. Don’t Wait!
To be eligible for personal injury protection (PIP) medical benefits under the law, persons injured in a motor vehicle accident must seek initial services and care within fourteen days after the motor vehicle accident.
After an injury occurs, you have time limits to bring your case. It’s important to bring your case as soon as possible because you don’t want to risk time running out.
4. Stay off Social Media!
Everything you say can and will be held against you in a court of law. Unfortunately, this phrase also applies to what you say on social media. Your Facebook page can ruin your case. The other side is watching, and your best bet is to keep quiet and let your attorney do the talking. It’s also a good idea not to talk about any aspect of your injury case with anyone until a settlement is reached.
5. Get an Attorney!
A qualified personal injury lawyer can help you determine what needs to be done to help maximize your compensation. They can help you build your case and communicate with the other side to pursue a fair settlement.
If your case goes to trial, your attorney will be there to present your case. Your attorney can help you navigate the complex legal system and pursue a course of action that results in the maximum compensation possible.
Research shows the recovery amount is much higher for people represented by lawyers, even after legal fees are paid. Studies have found that, on average, attorneys get their clients more than 3.5 times what unrepresented claimants get for themselves.
Most auto accident attorneys handle claims on a contingency fee basis, which means that payment for legal representation is contingent on the results. Your attorney receives a percentage of the settlement he or she gets for you – and, if the claim is not successful, you pay nothing for attorneys’ fees. They also advance all costs of pursuing your claim, from court filing fees to the expense of hiring expert witnesses, and normally you pay them back only if they recover money for you.
Pursuing a claim is often risk-free. You have nothing to lose by speaking to an auto accident attorney, and you have plenty to gain if your case is successful.
Why Fernandez & Hernandez?
Fernandez & Hernandez are advocates for victims injured in vehicle collisions or any other kind of injury. If you or a loved one has been injured and needs help getting compensation for your injuries or loss, call Tampa Personal Injury Attorney, Martin J. Hernandez of Fernandez & Hernandez at 813 229-5353.
