If you were hurt in some kind of preventable accident, you must navigate complicated insurance proceedings. However, before you can recover compensation for the damages, you need to build a claim that ultimately proves liability. Fortunately, a personal injury attorney can help you navigate the claims process. Here are a few tips to get started. 

Do:

Gather evidence from day one.

Building a strong personal injury claim starts at the scene. For example, if you were involved in a car accident, take photos of the wreck from all angles. If you slipped and fell on someone else’s property, document anything that might have contributed to the incident, like broken stairs or a wet floor. Also, obtain the names and contact information of any eyewitnesses, so they can provide statements later. 

Seek medical care. 

Some serious injuries don’t manifest symptoms right away. Because of this, you should visit a doctor or an urgent care center as soon as possible, even if you feel relatively fine. This will protect your health and strengthen the claim by proving the injuries were the result of the incident.

Don’t:

Speak to the insurance adjuster before seeking counsel.

Insurance adjusters are savvy negotiators. They know how to get claimants to agree to settlements that are much less than what they deserve. They also know how to gain a claimant’s trust and use it against them later in the proceedings. To protect your best interests, call a personal injury attorney before speaking to the insurance adjuster. This way, the lawyer can handle all interactions on your behalf. 

Discuss the case. 

Avoid discussing the case with anyone but your personal injury attorney, especially on public forums like social media sites. Even if your profiles are set to private, there are ways insurance companies can access any posts. If friends or loved ones want to know how you’re doing, call them instead, but don’t discuss the claim in detail until it has been resolved.  

If you need a personal injury attorney in Rochester, NY, turn to the compassionate and strategic team at Vincent J. Criscuolo & Associates. They help accident victims and disabled individuals secure the compensation and benefits they deserve. Whether you were hurt on the job and need guidance or want to apply for Social Security benefits, their legal team will assist. Visit their website to learn more about this law firm. Call (585) 232-3240 to schedule an initial consultation with one of their lawyers.