Five Ways to Maximize Your Personal Injury Settlement

If you have been injured as the result of someone else’s negligence, there is a good chance that you are entitled to compensation. Of course, it is only natural to seek as much money as possible for the hardships that you have had to endure. With this in mind, if you wish to maximize your settlement, you may find the following tips to be helpful:

Get Evidence

If you’ve been hurt in an accident, it’s important to put together as much documentation as possible. Take photos of the damage and any immediate injuries, get witness statements, and if there’s a police report, be sure to grab a copy. Your attorney will fill in the details. Your job is to get the ball rolling.

Don’t Tough It Out

When you’re sick or injured, it’s natural to try to tough it out. But if you’re thinking lawsuit, you mustn’t delay treatment. Long delays make your lawyer’s job much more difficult. And though most family physicians aren’t equipped to deal with head and neck trauma or other injuries that require sophisticated care, the sooner you’re checked, the quicker you’ll be in the hands of a specialist.

Follow Doctor’s Orders

It’s also vital you follow your doctor’s instructions to the letter. This is important not only for your recovery but to show a jury how serious your injury is. The defendant’s attorneys will cross-examine you. Failure to take sensible steps to get better will leave major holes in your case.

Ignore the Other Side 

The defendant’s insurance company will seek a statement right away – often the day after your accident. But if you haven’t been to your doctor, you won’t yet know the extent of your injuries. It’s likely anything you say at that point will hurt more than it helps. It’s also wise to play it cool with early settlement offers. Rejecting them creates the impression you’re willing to go the distance. Listen to your attorneys, and the offers will improve over time. 

Don’t Sell Yourself Short

After a bad accident, you’ll want to get on with your life. But if you’re looking to maximize your settlement, think about claiming additional injuries. The law allows compensation for pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and other non-physical damage you may not have considered. Detail all the ways your life has been impacted. Your attorney will take it from there. 

In Closing

When you have been injured through no fault of your own, it makes sense to seek as much compensation as possible. By following the tips outlined above, you will be able to do just that.