The world is full of misinformation and sound advice is hard to come by. That’s why, if you’ve been injured in an accident, it’s important to know exactly what to do to protect yourself.
If you’re hurt, the last thing you want to think about is a long, drawn-out court case. However, the faster you contact a personal injury lawyer, the better your chances are for a positive outcome.
As millennials, we tend to arm ourselves with knowledge. The following are the top five things you need to know about filing a personal injury lawsuit, and how you can get started today:
Yes, the cost for these things can be astronomical, but if you’ve been injured in an accident, and it wasn’t your fault, you must seek medical attention immediately. Do not skip the ambulance, or wait until the following week. Accept all care that is offered and hold onto every single piece of paperwork they give you.
It is also critical during this time that you follow up with any and all medical appointments, as well as follow through with the advice of all medical professionals. Once you are well, these visits (and subsequent documentation) will all be a vital part of building your case.
The statute of limitations a victim has to bring legal action against a defendant will vary by state, and will also change based on the alleged crime committed. In some states, it’s only a year.
If you let this time lapse, it’s game over. You will most likely have no recourse, and no ability to file a lawsuit against the person or parties that harmed you.
Call a lawyer and seek legal counsel immediately. Talking too much to insurance companies or law enforcement can cause a victim to misspeak, which may affect your case. This happens more often than people think.
Thus, it is critical to contact professionals like us at Injury.com, as soon as you are able. Do not sign anything or agree to any recorded conversation until you speak with an attorney.
Keep track of everything. If possible, get pictures of the accident scene and your injuries. Buy a folder to hold receipts, medical bills, police reports, pay stubs, and other documents you will need to prove your case.
Monitor all running expenses related to your personal injury. Any transportation costs or lost wages should be a part of your claim. Contact witnesses and get written statements if at all possible. The more concise documentation you keep, the easier it will be to prove your case in court.
In the event you are too injured, ask a friend or family member to help you collect all of this information as soon as they can. For example, pictures of injuries three weeks after the accident will not hold the same weight as something taken the same or next day.
As millennials, the first thing we want to do after a gnarly injury is post about it on social media. If you’re trying to start a lawsuit, however, this is a pretty bad idea.
You have to represent the issues correctly at all times and if people are laughing about it on Insta like a silly faux pas, it may downplay the extent of your injuries. And you can guarantee, that will be used against you in a court of law!
Your best bet is to just hold off on the selfies until you’ve settled.
These types of things take time. Don’t lose patience or get lazy about your record keeping. Stay focused and motivated. If you are injured and it’s someone else’s fault, the only thing you are responsible for is healing. The rest is someone else’s business (and dime)!
Don’t get down and lose hope. Keep a positive attitude and reach out to family and friends. Make sure you follow all of the instructions of your doctor and lawyer. Let the professionals guide you through the process and help make you whole again.
Studies have shown that hiring a personal injury lawyer will help you receive a larger settlement than if you try and represent yourself. That’s because you have a pro on your side who knows how the process works. No one will bully you with a good attorney.
Victims that hire a lawyer tend to receive a settlement that is 3.5 times higher than those who don’t. Additionally, 85% of settlements that insurance companies send out are to those who have hired a personal injury attorney.
If you have been injured at work or in a car accident, take three minutes to check the eligibility of a claim. Our legal professionals have decades of experience and can help you today.