As the dust starts to settle following your car accident, the expenses begin piling up. Car accident victims should never be left footing the bill for someone else’s negligence. Here’s how you can effectively maximize your compensation for your injuries.
Preserve Evidence
Many car accident claims come down to he-said-she-said scenarios. To make it clear who was at fault, you should keep records of the evidence. Photos of the accident scene and your injuries will help. Additionally, medical records of the treatments you’ve received or will need in the future as a result of this accident can benefit your case. Witnesses will also be instrumental and can make all the difference in how much compensation you’ll get.
Report the Accident
In St. Paul, you’re obligated to stay at the scene and make a report of the accident if there are injuries, fatalities, or extensive property damage. Failing to do so will not reflect well on your case.
Additionally, you’ll need to report it to your own insurance company. When you make this report, it documents your vehicle damage and injuries and shows that they’re credible.
Follow Doctor’s Orders
Seeking medical treatment following your accident is crucial for your healing. It also establishes that you were injured from this collision. However, if the doctor prescribes that you go to a specialist, take medications, or go to physical therapy, be sure you follow through. It will show that your injuries are real and that you’re taking the steps to recover from them.
Don’t Settle for a Settlement
Or rather, don’t immediately settle. In some cases, the settlement you’re offered will be fair. However, if you’re not being represented by a lawyer, you should get one right away. Most injury victims do not factor in all the damages they’ve suffered from their accidents and wind up accepting less compensation than they need to cover their expenses.
A personal injury brings both immediate losses and long-term ones. You may not be able to fully recover from your injuries and need a lifetime of medical treatments. You may not be able to return to your job in the capacity as before, meaning you could lose out on your future income potential.
The compensatory damages you’re entitled to, both economic and non-economic, are what attorneys know inside and out. If you want to maximize your compensation, you should consult one immediately before you accept a settlement.
Pursue Sooner Rather Than Later
After you are injured in a car accident, there are time limits imposed, known as statutes of limitations, to file your case. For Minnesota, that’s six years for a car accident, though certain factors can shorten that time limit.
The sooner you file your case, the better. Not only do you not want to run short on time, but you do not want to have witness memories become hazier the longer you wait. Evidence may also be harder to recover after more time passes. If you’re unsure where to begin, a personal injury lawyer can be a tremendous help in ensuring you file in time and have the evidence you need to make your case.
Refrain from Talking About Your Case
More specifically, don’t post about it on social media. Everyone seems to overshare online these days, but when it comes to your car accident case, mum’s the word. The other side will be watching everything you do and say online. If you want to maximize your compensation for your injuries, it’s best not to air details of the case for all to see. You can, however, talk about it as much as you like in confidential sessions with your attorney.
Get a Car Accident Attorney to Help
If you want to maximize your compensation for your car accident injuries, you should additionally contact an attorney. If you need help finding a lawyer near you, contact 1-800-Injured. 1-800-Injured is an attorney and medical referral service that can connect you with nearby experts.
You can learn more here about how to find a local personal injury attorney in St. Paul to help you with your case.
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