I’ve Been Injured And Believe I Have A Case Against The Party Who Caused My Injuries

What Are The First Steps I Need To Take To Give My Case The Best Possible Outcome?

After an accident, people have a lot on their minds. The first concern is usually the health and safety of their loved ones. The best practice is always to call the police, so that they may properly document the accident and aid the parties in exchanging information. If possible, take photos and videos of the vehicles, the scene, your injuries, and anything else that may be relevant to your case. Photos are extremely important, as they are the most accurate description of the scene of the accident, and once vehicles are towed or driven away, it is difficult to gather that evidence for purposes of recreating the scene. Although one may not feel severe pain right away, the pain usually increases dramatically within the next few days, so it is important to document your symptoms.

Is It Important To Take Pictures Of The Automobiles Involved? What About The Surroundings, The Stoplights, Road Conditions, And Any Other Factors?

All evidence is very important. Take as many photos as possible of all elements of the accident, including the vehicles, the damage, the scene, the weather conditions, and more. Photos will help you recreate the scene of the accident and retell your story. Many times, photos can help to establish liability, force of impact, and many other essential details about an accident.

Should I Seek Medical Attention Immediately After An Accident? How Critical Is That To The Success Of A Case?

It is important to document as much as possible in your case. Therefore, if you are feeling any type of pain or injury, it is very important that you are seen by a medical provider, not only so that it is properly documented, but also to ensure your health and wellness. Telling your attorney that you are feeling injured is important, but it will not help you recover or help you document your pain. The only way to prove that you were injured is with proper documentation, so seeking medical attention when you are injured is extremely important.

How Important Is It To Be Consistent With My Medical Treatment? Can I Miss Appointments Or Be Late?

Your health and wellness are the primary concern. If you are missing appointments or arriving late, you are likely not receiving the proper medical treatment for your injuries. You must follow through with your medical care in order to recover and return to the health you were in before the accident.

Additionally, gaps in medical treatment reflect poorly on your medical records, and negatively affect your claim. The insurance adjuster or defense attorney may state that gaps in treatment suggest that you were not as injured as you claim you were, and they will not take your claim as seriously.

What Should I Do If The Other Party’s Insurance Company Contacts Me? Am I Responsible For Notifying Them Of The Accident? Should I Say Anything To Them At All?

If the other party’s insurance company contacts you, you should never give a statement. During a statement, the insurance company records your statement, and can later use it against you. If the other party’s insurance contacts you, you should simply let them know that you have an attorney, and provide them with your attorney’s information.

What Typical Damages Are Available In A Personal Injury Case?

You can seek various types of damages in a personal injury claim. The most prevalent is your medical expenses, such as hospital bills, chiropractic treatment, orthopedic visits, and any other medical expense. Depending on the severity of your injuries, your medical bills may be very high. Another type of damage is future medical expenses, if your injuries will likely require additional treatment in the future, such as follow-up visits, surgery, or any other future treatment.

Another type of damage is lost wages, which can be claimed if you had to miss work and lost income as a result of the accident. Future loss of wages can also be claimed if you expect you will miss future time from work due to accident-related activities, treatment, or other events. If the accident caused you to lose your job, caused you to be demoted to a lower position, or limited your potential growth in that job due to injuries stemming from the accident, you can claim loss of earning capacity.

Loss of enjoyment of life is yet another damage that can be claimed. For example, if the injury(ies) prevented you from doing the things that bring you great joy, such as playing with your kids, participating in physical activities, or other activities, you can claim loss of enjoyment of life. Damages are very case-specific, and should be carefully discussed with you to ensure all applicable damages are included in your demand.

How Is The Worth Of A Personal Injury Case Determined?

The value of a personal injury case is determined by many factors, including the type and severity of the injuries, the amount of medical expenses, and more. For example, if someone sustains a disc bulge or two and treats with a chiropractor for a few months, their bill will likely be significantly less than someone who shatters an ankle and requires immediate and complicated surgery.

Another thing that will greatly impact your case’s value is the liability. If there is any dispute of liability, or if you had partial fault in the accident, the case’s value may diminish. If it is clear that the other party was 100% at fault, your case’s value will increase. While these are some general guidelines, all cases are different, and so are their values.

For more information on General Personal Injury, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (954) 379-8030 |  (786) 785-2555 today.