With any type of accident in Front Royal, a personal injury claim is sure to become a necessity if you or a loved one suffered serious injury. When you suffer damages from another’s negligence you have the right to seek compensation for your losses, but this can often be a frustrating and complicated process.
Accident injury lawyers are one of the best resources you have when you need assistance in filing and settling a Front Royal personal injury claim. There are many parts to an injury claim that require attention before you can receive a settlement and you can take certain steps to help improve your claim settlement process.
Step 1 – Remain at the Accident Scene
Don’t leave the scene until you have spoken with the police and have been given permission to leave. You will be filling out an incident report with the officer, which can become critical evidence in your personal injury claim.
Step 2 – Exchange Personal Information
Collect the contact information for any other drivers or pedestrians involved in the accident as well as any witnesses to the accident. Even though this information may appear on the police report you’ll want to have it for your own records as well.
Step 3 – Preserve Accident Scene Evidence
Take photographs of the scene of the accident and do not allow any items to be discarded or destroyed. This goes for all types of accidents: car crashes, slip and falls, defective products, and so on.
Step 4 – Seek Medical Treatment
If you delay treatment for your injuries you’re not only harming yourself, but also damaging your Front Royal personal injury claim. Seek immediate medical attention for any symptoms you experience following your accident and make sure they are documented by your physician.
Step 5 – Consult with Accident Injury Lawyers
Before you provide any more information to the insurance company you should discuss your claim with an experienced accident injury lawyer. There are many methods the insurance company may use to try and deny your claim, which is why you need the guidance of someone with experience in settling these matters.
Step 6 – Follow Up With All Medical Treatments
If you are receiving physical therapy or ongoing treatment for an injury suffered from an accident you need to make sure you comply with all the orders your doctor gives you. Failure to follow through with treatment for your injuries could be construed by the insurance company as a lack of severity of your damages, therefore decreasing or denying your settlement value.
Step 7 – Keep Detailed Records
Evidence is key in settling a Front Royal personal injury claim and you’ll be receiving plenty of documents, paperwork and records to keep track of. One of the benefits of having a lawyer is that their office can handle all of these details for you so you can focus on recovery. Make sure your lawyer has your:
- medical records;
- police report;
- recent pay stubs; and
- correspondence from the insurance company.
Step 8 – Notify your Lawyer of Any Changes
Keep your lawyer up to date on your injury recovery, treatment, and all contact you have with the insurance company. Because the insurance adjusters often try to get you to give recorded statements or see specific doctors they can potentially damage your claim if you do not ask your lawyer for advice first.
Step 9 – Ask Before Signing Anything
One of the best ways an insurance company can get claimants to settle for an inadequate settlement is to pressure them into signing the agreement as soon as possible. An initial settlement offer from your insurer is rarely at the full value of your injury claim and you’ll want to have your lawyer look it over first. Also beware of signing medical record release forms as your past medical history, while unrelated, could be used to damage your claim.
Step 10 – Don’t Give Up!
It may be frustrating to wait for the insurance company to issue a fair settlement for your damages, but perseverance pays off in a personal injury claim. Remember that you have a great resource in your accident injury lawyers to help you manage your claim as you wait for a settlement.
Contact Accident Injury Lawyers for Injury Claim Help
If you are the victim of someone else’s negligence or carelessness, whether in a car accident or some other type of accident, you have certain rights guaranteed by law. The injury and wrongful death lawyers at Dulaney, Lauer & Thomas are available to help those who have been involved in a Northern Virginia accident and are seeking help near Front Royal with a personal injury claim. Call 540-636-7100 to speak with an experienced attorney in your area today.
