How To File A Personal Injury Claim

Personal injuries have the potential to leave you suffering permanent disabilities, preventing you from working or providing for yourself and your family. In the event you are hurt or injured due to someone’s reckless actions, you want to be sure you get the maximum amount you are entitled to in an insurance claim. This is money you will need to help cover both your current and any future costs you incur. Here’s some basic information on how to file a personal injury claim effectively.

Work With An Experienced Attorney

When dealing with insurers and their representatives, you want an experienced personal injury attorney on your side to negotiate a settlement. In these cases, there are certain actions you can take to help defend and protect yourself. These include:

Report Your Accident

Anytime you are involved in an accident, even if you suspect your injuries are minor, report it to local law enforcement, a security guard at the scene, or to the property owner—and make sure an accident report is filed. It should include the date, time, and location at which the accident occurred. Be sure it also includes the details about the incident or the conditions under which it occurred, and the names of those involved, including any witnesses. Get a copy of this report, and ensure that the information it includes is correct.

Gather Evidence At The Scene

Your attorney can help you gather evidence from the accident scene, including video surveillance tapes from security monitors at nearby locations. You can help defend your case by taking pictures yourself or having someone take them for you immediately at the scene. In addition to photos of your injuries, take pictures from different angles of the accident location and any property damages you suffered.

Use Caution In Making Statements

Both at the scene of the accident and in dealing with insurance company representatives, it is important to use cautions in the types of statements you are making and in the information you provide. Insurers can and will use these statements against you to dispute or deny your claim. Under South Carolina comparative negligence statutes, if they can prove you are even partially at fault, it can reduce the amount you are entitled to in a settlement.

Document Injuries & Damages

Make sure you get the names of any doctors, nurses, and diagnostic technicians who provide you with medical care or treatment. Keep all discharge and follow up paperwork, along with receipts for doctor visits, medications, and medical devices, such as crutches, braces, or wheelchairs. Be sure to keep a record of transportation expenses to and from appointments as well. Along with copies of paystubs showing lost wages, keep a journal detailing the various ways your injuries have impacted your life.

Get Help Today

When filing personal injury claims in the aftermath of an accident, you need a strong legal advocate to defend your rights to compensation. Contact the Surasky Law Firm, LLC to learn how our personal injury attorneys can help you get the maximum amount you are entitled to in your claim.