Accidents occur every day across America. If you have been involved in an accident and believe you have a strong personal injury claim, there are several important tips you should keep in mind. Small mistakes can mean the difference between a favorable settlement in a personal injury dispute and a near-total loss, so it is vital that you act carefully to protect your interests in personal injury settlements.
Get examined and treated for your injuries as soon as possible
The first thing you should do after being involved in an accident is to receive medical attention. If you have sustained an injury, go directly to the hospital and have it treated. This will ensure that you have proof of your injury, and proof of injury is an integral part of a personal injury claim.
Getting quick treatment will also ensure that you avoid settling for less money than you might otherwise receive. A doctor with expertise in examining injuries will be able to assess your condition and tell you what procedures you may need to undergo to fully recover. With that information, you will be able to more effectively negotiate a fair settlement.
Watch what you say to other parties and to insurance company representatives after an accident
Many parties involved in accidents make apologies and effectively accept blame for what has happened. While this is a natural impulse, it is also one that you should resist, because your statements could negatively affect the outcome of a settlement.
It is also important that you avoid the impulse to immediately assign blame to another party. Even if you feel that you have been wronged, you should avoid making any statement that may lead to a conflict. The best course of action after an accident is to calmly exchange insurance information with the other parties involved, to wait for the police to arrive and to file a police report.
Finally, you should be wary of insurance company representatives. As the Stockton CA personal injury lawyers at David Allen and Associates explain, insurance adjusters represent the interests of their insurance companies, and insurance companies are often willing to reach settlements that are not in the best interests of the injured parties in an accident.
Keep as much important documentation as possible
The information you receive from your bills for your own injuries or for damage to your vehicle is vital to the settlement of your dispute. Without the proper documentation, you may find it difficult to support your version of events, and your negotiating position may be severely weakened.
Understand and abide by the deadline for filing suit
It is absolutely imperative that you file your lawsuit before the statute of limitations runs out. In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury actions runs for two years from the date of the incident at issue. After the two-year limit has run its course, you will be probably be barred from bringing your lawsuit to court.
Find a lawyer with experience in the field of personal injury
If you have been involved in an accident and are considering legal action, you should contact a lawyer who knows the personal injury field. There are lawyers in Stockton CA with experience both in the general field of personal injury and with expertise in specific kinds of accidents. Personal injury settlements involve a great amount of preparation, and it is vital that you secure the help of lawyers.who understand the intricacies of negotiation and legal procedure.