If you've been injured in an accident caused by someone else, obtaining a fair settlement can be important to achieve closure and move on. Your settlement could cover expenses such as medical bills, lost wages, and more to help you provide for yourself or your family.
Unfortunately, maximizing your settlement isn't always easy. However, there are several strategies that can help increase the value of your personal injury claim. By taking the right steps, you can work towards receiving a settlement that truly reflects the harm you have suffered.
5 Ways to Increase Your Personal Injury Settlement
1. Get Immediate Medical Care
Receiving medical attention immediately after an accident is crucial in maximizing your injury settlement. By documenting your injuries, you are highlighting that they were a direct result of the accident. Waiting to seek medical attention could raise questions from the defense about how your injuries occurred.
Additionally, Kentucky is a pure comparative negligence state, meaning that the amount of damages you can collect is limited to the assigned fault you had as determined by the court. For example, if your injuries worsened because you failed to seek medical attention, the defense could argue that you contributed to the severity of your injuries and may avoid paying out the full amount of damages.
2. Collect & Preserve Evidence
If you've been injured in an accident, one of the most crucial things you can do is gather and preserve evidence. Document everything, from the accident scene to the injuries you sustained. This evidence will help build a strong case and increase your chances of receiving a fair settlement.
Evidence can include:
- Photos and videos of the accident
- Medical bills
- Pay stubs to show time off work
- Personal notes
- Doctor’s notes
- And much more
Ultimately, be sure to keep a detailed record of all communication with insurance adjusters and medical providers. These small steps can make a big difference in your personal injury settlement value.
3. Avoid Posting Your Injuries on Social Media
In today's digital age, insurance adjusters and defense attorneys have a slew of tools at their disposal to investigate personal injury claims. One of these strategies is combing social media accounts for inconsistencies that could suggest dishonesty or exaggeration on your part.
If you are pursuing a personal injury claim, it's wise to stay off social media entirely and avoid discussing the details of the accident or your injuries online. By keeping a low profile and limiting your online activity, you can prevent the liable party from finding any reason to question the validity of your claim and protect your reputation.
4. Keep Future Damages in Mind
When it comes to maximizing an injury settlement, it’s important to not only focus on the immediate impact of your injuries but also consider the ways in which they may affect your life in the future.
Future damages can include:
- Ongoing medical treatments
- Lost income potential
- Decreased quality of life
As you evaluate any personal injury settlement offer, be sure to carefully consider whether it adequately compensates you for these future losses, in addition to any current ones. This can help you receive the full amount of compensation that you’re entitled to under the law.
5. Avoid Trusting Insurance Companies
Trusting the insurance company can be a costly mistake. While they may appear to be on your side, their priority is minimizing payouts. Therefore, it is important to be cautious and not assume the insurance company will help you receive the most from your claim. Be wary of quick settlement offers or attempts to downplay your injuries. Taking the time to thoroughly understand your policy and working closely with a trusted lawyer can help you pursue fair compensation.
Injured Due to Negligence? Contact Us
If you've been injured in an accident where someone else is at fault, it's important to seek the help of a personal injury lawyer. At Brett H. Oppenheimer, PLLC, we have over 30 years of experience fighting for victims to receive the compensation they deserve.
Our firm handles a range of personal injury cases, including product liability, motorcycle accidents, toxic exposure, and more. We can take the time to listen to your story and evaluate what damages you may be entitled to, helping you build a strong case.
You don't have to go through this alone - contact us today and let us fight for you. Call (502) 242-8877 or reach out to our firm online.