Share:

The law gives every accident victim the right to collect compensation to relieve the financial burden of their injuries. However, the process of claiming damages can be complex and daunting, leaving many people unsure of how to get the remuneration they deserve or collect the evidence their personal injury attorney may need. Below is a step-by-step guide to protecting your rights and getting the financial relief you need.

A Personal Injury Attorney’s Guide to Collecting Compensation

1. Seek Medical Attention

Even if your injuries don’t seem severe, have a doctor examine you as quickly as possible. Adrenaline can mask the symptoms, while some types of damage don’t appear until much later. Having contemporaneous medical records can help your personal injury attorney prove your injuries are related to the accident.

2. Take Photos

personal injury attorneyIf possible, document your injuries both before and after medical treatment, along with any factors that contributed to your accident. For instance, if you were hurt because of unsafe conditions on someone else’s property, you will want pictures of the hazard. In auto accidents, photos of the vehicles’ relative positions and the damage they suffered can be crucial pieces of evidence later.

3. Don’t Speak to the Insurance Company

It’s not uncommon for insurance companies to step forward with a settlement offer even before the full extent of your injuries is apparent. In many cases, these initial offers won’t be enough to cover your damages, and you could inadvertently make statements the insurer could use against you.

4. Hire a Personal Injury Attorney

An experienced advocate who will collect evidence and negotiate on your behalf is crucial for collecting the compensation you deserve. Your lawyer will be able to calculate your actual losses, prove liability, and represent your interests to ensure you receive the highest possible award for your damages.


 

As one of the Hudson Valley’s most established law firms, MacVean, Lewis, Sherwin & McDermott, P.C. has been representing accident victims and their families for over 130 years. If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, visit their website to see how they can help, like their Facebook for more tips, or call (845) 343-3000 to speak with a personal injury attorney.

tracking