3 Essential Steps to File a Personal Injury Claim

Personal injury cases quickly get stressful especially if you’re not prepared. Fortunately, you can use the tips in this blog post to help you navigate the logistics of a personal injury claim without losing your mind!

1. Remember Insurance Companies Will Show No Compassion

If you’ve ever dealt with an insurance company on any level, you know how quickly frustrating the experience gets. Don’t expect things to be much better when dealing with your case. Insurance companies take full advantage of their legal right to handle claims on their schedule.

After being ignored, sometimes for months on end, it’s important to prepare yourself to be lowballed. A good attorney will help you realistically assess the situation and make a suitable demand. Even if you accept the low-ball settlement, it’s still common for payments to be delayed and claims to get denied down the line.

Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do to avoid mistreatment from the defendant’s insurance company. The insurance company only has loyalty to their client, and they will readily ignore you if they think it will benefit their case. It’s hard to stick up for yourself in these situations so make sure you have a good attorney on your side.

2. Stay Patient

Patience is your best weapon when fighting a personal injury case. In addition to dealing with mental and physical trauma, going through a case puts additional emotional stress on your body.

The first question people usually have about their case is “how long is this going to take.” The answer is unfortunately very dull and disheartening. It’s not unusual for a personal injury claim to take between two and five years to resolve. If your case involves any unusual circumstances, you can expect the process to take even longer.

Personal injury claims can be rough patches in your life, especially if you’re not fit to return to work. You might even have expenses from your injury piling up, which causes even more stress. Although it’s difficult, you need to stay patient during this process. Your best bet is to consult with a good attorney and do everything in your power to present a compelling case.

3. Take The Time To Build Your Case

Taking the time to build your case is the best way to give yourself a chance to win. Far too often people leave the entire case in the hands of their attorney. While a lawyer is a great asset that will help you win your case, they’re only as good as the information you give them. The more information you give your personal injury lawyer, the easier it is for them to prepare a compelling case.

After the incident occurs, your first step needs to be consulting a doctor. This is an excellent way to get official documentation that will help solidify your case. Even if your injuries aren’t severe, your doctor’s medical documentation helps establish that the defendant’s actions caused your injury. Seeing your doctor right after the incident is particularly important if your injuries aren’t visible.

Even if you regularly use an alternative health professional instead of a doctor, make sure you see a traditional M.D. for the official documentation. You’ll have an easier time getting medical documentation validated by the court from a regular M.D. when compared to a natural health specialist.

No matter what type of injury claim you’re filing for, witnesses help increase your chances of winning. Your attorney will have an easier time presenting your case if you can find someone to corroborate your version of the events. It’s worth it to take some time and look for witnesses. Taking the logistics of your case into your own hands is the best thing you can do to improve your chances of winning.

Kelly Young is a writer born and raised in Toronto. Proud of her simple and cozy life, a perfect evening for Kelly would be to snuggle up in bed with her cat and a well-written historic memoir.