Vehicular road accidents remain one of the top causes of personal injuries in the United States. Of the many, motorcycle accident is one of the most dangerous and fatal types of road traffic accidents. A motorcyclist is more likely to die after an accident compared to passengers in a car accident.
Accidents also result in physical injuries, permanent disabilities, and emotional and psychological trauma, which victims may have to deal with throughout their life. These injuries come with substantial financial burdens; therefore, accident victims need financial compensation to cater for their losses.
After sustaining personal injuries from a motorcycle or car accident, you can sue the at-fault driver for personal injury claims. With this, you may need a specialized accident lawyer for your personal injury claims. For example, you need a competent, experienced, and dedicated motorcycle accident lawyer to represent your interest in a motorcycle accident claim. You can do the same if you lose a loved one through a motorcycle or car accident.
Winning a personal injury case and getting well compensated isn’t automatic. After an accident, you need to take some important steps to improve your chances of getting compensated. Now, here are some ways to improve your chances of winning a personal injury case.
Table of Contents
Seek immediate medical attention
Seeking medical attention is the first thing to do after a road accident, even if you feel okay. For serious accidents, 911 respondents would convey all victims to the hospital on arrival. At the hospital, the medical officers in charge will diagnose the injuries and prescribe the required treatment and medications. This is critical because early diagnosis and treatment can prevent severe damage and long-term effects of your injuries. Also, the medical records can serve as evidence in your personal injury claims.Â
Document the incident
Victims of serious accidents may be unable to document the whole incident due to being in critical condition. However, minor accident victims with minor injuries can do this to support their claims. After receiving treatment at the hospital, try to document whatever happened during and after the accident. Document the time it happened, take photos and videos, and talk to witnesses. This will serve as additional evidence for your claim.Â
Document your expenses and lossesÂ
Aside from the medical costs, you can also incur several other costs and losses depending on the kind of injuries you sustain. For example, if the accident renders your incapacitated or leaves you bedridden for months, you will lose your wages. That aside, you may need to rely on care personnel to cater to your needs, which comes at a cost. You wouldn’t have made these expenses if not for the accident; hence, document them to support your claims.Â
Don’t engage in direct negotiationsÂ
Some at-fault drivers may want things to be settled out of court. Therefore, both parties may have to reach some point of compromise to reach a deal. However, it is best to allow your lawyer to take charge of such negotiations. Your lawyer will negotiate the best damages that can take care of your current and future losses.Â
Another scenario is when dealing with the insurance companies for your claim. Insurance companies always want to pay less compensation as possible. Dealing directly with them may end you with a lower compensation than you deserve.
Speak to an attorneyÂ
One of the best ways to win an accident claim is to hire an experienced accident lawyer. With all the necessary documents and evidence, hiring an attorney will improve your chances of winning the case. Some at-fault drivers would want to prove difficult or may not have enough insurance coverage to settle the damages. In such cases, you can sue for the remainder. An attorney will make the process less complex for you.Â
Also, vehicle insurance companies have attorneys whose job is to negotiate in favor of their company. So, representing yourself in an accident insurance claim may lead to you being shortchanged. Hiring an attorney will help you avoid confrontations and direct negotiations with an experienced and intimidating insurance company lawyer.
Make all evidence available to your attorney
If your case ends up in court, your attorney will rely on the evidence you provide to come up with a strategy. They have to present detailed facts and evidence to support the claim. Therefore, make all pieces of evidence available to your attorney including medical reports and bills.Â
Keep your attorney well-informed about your condition
Aside from providing enough evidence and facts, you should make your medical condition known to your attorney. They should know the kind of medical treatment you are receiving and its associated implications and costs. Knowing this will help them make a better demand on your behalf.Â
Keep quietÂ
Don’t go about talking about your case to everyone. Your lawyer and closest family members should be your only confidants. Whatever you say, or social media posts you make can be used by the defender against you. If possible, don’t post or talk about anything relating to your accident in public.
ConclusionÂ
Winning the right compensation for your personal injury claim after a vehicle accident can be very tricky. It comes with a lot of work and enough evidence, especially if you want more money than expected. For a solid case, seek proper medical care to have your condition diagnosed, which also gets you a medical record for evidence. Gather scene evidence, record your expenses, and hire a competent lawyer to improve your chances of getting enough compensation.Â