Something has happened that has resulted in you filing a personal injury claim. Whether a dog got loose and bit you, you suffered trauma and abuse at the hands of another, you were in a car accident, or you fell and hurt yourself on someone’s property – there are many reasons that could lead to a personal injury claim.
You may be nervous about filing a claim, as the process can be overwhelming and intimidating. There are also deadlines you need to be aware of, paperwork that must be filed (and filed correctly), insurance companies and their tricks to deal with, and a lot of legal terminology.
We have some tips for you so that you can feel a bit more informed and prepared for your case.
First: Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
This truly is your first best step, as it will help you determine the next steps after that! A lawyer will be able to listen to the details of your case and give you advice on how likely it is that you will win, they’ll know exactly which deadlines apply to your case and what the statute of limitations is, and so on.
If you’re worried about the cost of a lawyer, don’t be; at least not with McGuiness Law. We offer completely free, no-obligation consultations. And should we end up working together, you will have exactly $0.00 in up-front out-of-pocket expenses. This is because our contingency fee payment structure means we don’t get paid until you WIN, and we take a percentage of your settlement as payment for our dedicated work on your case.
Second: Gather Evidence
The more evidence and potential proof you have, the better!
Think of things like:
- Photos of your accident scene, injuries, etc.
- Bills and invoices for the medical expenses you’ve incurred because of what you experienced
- The name and contact information of the defendant (the person who has caused or was involved in causing your injuries)
- The contact information of any witnesses
- Medical records
The last point brings us to Tip 3.
Third: Visit Your Doctor
So many individuals make the mistake of not getting a medical evaluation immediately. The problem here is that injuries often seem nonexistent and can take some time to develop. You may assume that you are fine, but you do indeed have injuries that will eventually become apparent.
The other problem is that, by not going to see a medical professional, you will end up not having the medical forms and reports that are necessary for filing and settling your claim successfully.
Even if you’re sure you are fine: GO see your doctor! Get copies of reports, and collect any forms and receipts you receive from medical professionals.
Fourth: Please, Please Stay Off of Social Media
We’re not joking when we say that a wrong online post can cost you your entire settlement. One woman shared how she won a Christmas tree throwing competition on her social media account, and she promptly lost her $823,000 personal injury claim. Ouch!
Do not share anything about your accident, injuries, your case, and so on. Just keep the entire thing quiet on social media until the claim is settled and your lawyer has informed you when you can share what. This is really the safest approach to take!
McGuiness Law
Legal cases can be scary, stressful, and confusing. We are here to help.
At McGuiness Law, we are passionate about standing up for our clients and their rights. We also happen to be amazing at negotiating, and we know all the tricks that insurance companies like to try!
If you are looking for lawyers who will be clear and honest on whether working with them will benefit you or not, who will fight for you every step of the way, and who are very good at what they do, we would love to connect with you!
You can use our online contact form to get in touch, or call our toll-free number at 1-833-585-4145!