We’re all familiar with the concept of filing a lawsuit for damages incurred, and if you’ve been the victim of injury due to someone else’s actions or negligence, time is of the essence to take action. But what does it take to file a personal injury claim? And when is it necessary? Let’s take a look at the steps you should follow post-incident:
Gather Info from the Insurance Companies
If you suspect that you aren’t legally responsible for the incident that led to your injury, the first thing to do is determine whether the person who is has relevant insurance – and to what extent they may cover your damages. In an automotive accident, this would be the other party’s auto insurance provider. If you’ve slipped and fallen on someone else’s property, check to see if they have liability coverage. Your own insurance company may even cover you to a certain extent.
At this point, if your injuries are very minor (think bumps/bruises with no lingering impact), and you’re satisfied with the resolutions offered by the insurance provider/s, it may not be necessary to file a claim, and you can stop reading here. However, if your injuries are substantial and you’re clearly not at fault (or don’t believe you should be), legal action is strongly recommended – if only to cover your bases.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
If you’ve made it this far, it’s probably time to contact a professional. The temptation to “save a few bucks” with self-representation might be tugging at you, but the fact is this: personal injury disputes require you first to establish responsibility of the other party, and then the nature and extent of your damages. Many people aren’t even aware the full extent of the compensation that they are entitled to, and don’t fight for it as a result. There are quite a few factors that could lead you to an unfair settlement (or worse – nothing at all), not least being your inexperience relative to the lawyers on the opposing side. Those insurance company claims representatives and their lawyers will certainly attempt to discredit you and your right to full compensation.
Don’t forget that simply talking to an attorney isn’t the same thing as hiring one! Ashenden & Hollingsworth, P.C. offers free consultations, in which we’ll take an overview of your claim and help you determine your legal options. Reach out online, or call (770) 394-8909 today.
