Accidents can occur in countless ways. But when they are caused by someone’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional conduct, you may be entitled to compensation. Your actions after an accident strongly determines the outcome of your claim or lawsuit. Maximizing compensation is key to a full recovery from your injuries, so understanding the proper steps to support your claim is crucial.
Getting the Most from a Personal Injury Claim
- Seek medical treatment after an accident: Prompt medical care can preserve your rights to pursue compensation. When you delay or refuse a medical evaluation, an insurer can claim that your injuries are minor or unrelated to the accident. Additionally, it is in your best interest to receive medical care, as severe injuries such as internal bleeding or head injuries may not be apparent at first. But they can have fatal consequences if not treated right away.
- Preserve evidence: An insurance company or a judge and jury want solid evidence when processing and determining compensation for your claim. If possible, photograph the accident scene and document all the details while it is fresh in your mind. If there are witnesses to the accident, ask for their contact information, as their testimony can be vital to your case. Also note details such as the weather, lighting, or other hazards that may have contributed to your accident. For instance, if you have suffered a slip and fall in a retail store, note any wires or obstacles out of place, broken handrails, steps, or oil stains on the flooring that may have caused the accident.
- Avoid posting on social media: Your lawsuit or insurance claim could be undermined due to the power of social media. Insurance adjusters and defense attorneys will scrutinize your digital footprint and even innocent posts can be taken out of context and used against you. Do not accept friend requests from those you do not know, as they may be trying to access information. Be mindful that your posts may mistakenly be construed as an indication of your physical or emotional state.
- Valuation of your injury: Achieving a fair settlement is determined by assessing many factors, including medical expenses, future care needs, pain and suffering, home renovations to accommodate a disability, disfigurement, loss of earnings, and future earnings. Often, a quick settlement offered by the at-fault party is inadequate to recover from your injuries. Know that if you accept a low offer, you will forgo a chance to collect the money needed for future care and recovery. By rejecting a low offer, you will put the at-fault party on notice that you are committed to getting the compensation you deserve.
- Hire an experienced personal injury attorney: While Florida law does not require an attorney to file a personal injury claim or initiate a lawsuit, it is in your best interest to have legal counsel and representation to maximize your compensation. Managing a personal injury claim while coping with the pain and disability of your injuries can be overwhelming. Legal counsel lets you focus on your recovery while your attorney handles your case. Additionally, there may be complex variables, such as determining who is responsible for the accident. Without an experienced lawyer, you are at a disadvantage against insurance carriers and those with legal representation.
Woodard & Ferguson: Experience & Knowledge When You Need it Most
With over fifty years of combined experience, Attorney David L. Ferguson and Attorney Katherine F. Woodard have the knowledge and resources to achieve maximum compensation for those harmed by others’ negligence or wrongdoing.
As a former insurance defense lawyer, Attorney Ferguson understands the strategies, tactics, and decision-making processes of insurance companies. His vast knowledge of insurance claims and litigation has resulted in achieving compensation for pain and suffering, medical bills, punitive damages, and economic and non-economic damages for many clients. Attorney Ferguson presents compelling cases in the courtroom based on his deep understanding of Florida law and insurance industry practices.
Contact Woodard & Ferguson, Attorneys at Law, at (386)-677-0822 to schedule an appointment with our Ormond Beach personal injury attorneys. We care about your recovery. Our legal team proudly serves clients throughout the Daytona Beach area and beyond. We are committed to justice and securing the compensation you deserve.
