The majority of insurance companies will try to pay as little money as they can to settle a claim with an injured insuree. They are notorious for presenting meager first offers, which often is not enough to cover any losses. Many are intimidated by insurance companies and often don’t even realize that they have the option not to take the “low-ball” offers. This is why we have made a list of five steps you can take to build a stronger personal injury case to get the most compensation.
Insurance Companies Share Information
Insurance companies keep tabs on all current and previous claims against any insurance company. If you have any pre-existing conditions, no matter how long ago it was, the condition will probably surface in your case. To help with your case, inform your attorney about any injuries, addictions, or medical complications you have experienced before and during your claim. We cannot stress enough how important this is, as many cases can easily be lost because the insurance company argues that the problems were derived from an earlier or later injury.
Keep Files for any Medical, Out-of-Pocket Expenses, and Lost Income Records
Expenses and medical bills are an essential part of your injury case, so keeping a good record of any of these expenses is a good idea. Most people that an attorney does not represent fail to ask for their medical records. Request all records after a visit and retain all bills related to your claim, such as medical expenses, drugs and medicines, therapies, home care aides, and anything else you have accumulated for your recovery. If your injury has impacted your ability to work, request a statement that outlines any time lost.
Document Everything
Take notes on your physical and emotional state after the incident, even if it seems trivial. Keep tabs on what you do when you first wake up and exert extra effort when in your job. Describe how the accident has impacted your daily life. Also, include any medical treatments, medications, symptoms (if any), progression, setbacks, disabilities, or inconveniences.
Don’t: Discuss, Sign, Post
At no point should you talk about your claim or your status with anyone, including your employer, coworkers, neighbors, or the company at fault, especially not the other party’s insurance company. Any conversation may be recorded and could be used against your claim. Only talk to your close family and your attorney. Decline to sign any documents without the explicit consent of your attorney. Also, refrain from posting anything relating to your claim on any social media platform. If at any point you did, do not delete it.
Do Not Discard Evidence
We emphasize the idea of not throwing away any evidence in your case, such as photographs, empty medication bottles, or any object relating to the cause of your injury. The more evidence you can collect, the better, no matter how trivial.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an avoidable injury, call our expert attorneys here at Utah Attorneys. If you call our law offices during regular business hours, you can receive a free consultation with one of our most experienced lawyers.
