If you have experienced a personal injury and want to pursue your claim, you have to take immediate steps to protect your case. We expect people to be responsible, and the crux of such claims is negligence. For instance, when you drive your vehicle, you expect drivers to adhere to the traffic rules. If someone was drunk or over-speeding and caused an accident that caused your injuries, you know they have breached the “duty of care”. That also means you have the right to pursue a claim. The same is true for slip-and-fall injuries, medical malpractice, and dog bites. Consult attorneys from Noakes Law Group to learn more about your case. Here are some quick steps to protect a personal injury lawsuit.
Gather as much evidence as you can
A personal injury claimant is expected to have evidence to prove that the other party was negligent or at fault. If there were witnesses to the accident, collect their contact details to get testimonies later. Take pictures and videos of the scene, and if you can collect physical evidence, you should do so. Also, reporting the matter to concerned authorities is always a good idea. For some accidents, such as a car crash, you have to call the police. For premise liability claims, you must inform the property owner.
Get immediate medical care
The adrenaline rush after an accident may numb your symptoms and the ability to experience pain. That doesn’t mean you are hurt. In fact, some injuries only surface after days or weeks of the accident. Make sure to see a doctor immediately or at least within 72 hours. Let the doctor know how you were hurt, and they will usually order diagnostic tests and bloodwork to check the full extent of your injuries. The medical reports are extremely crucial as you take the case further.
Inform the insurance company soon
You have to report the accident to your carrier, if applicable, for the situation. Make sure that you share only the basic details, such as date and time. If you have insurance information of the other party, share that too. Insurance companies are not working for you – The claims adjuster will want to try ways to undermine the payout. It is imperative to avoid giving a recorded statement. Also, you don’t have to negotiate immediately until your lawyer steps in.
Meet an injury lawyer
Legal representation is crucial for personal injury lawsuits. The good news is that many law firms in Louisville will offer free consultations, and you can meet an attorney to learn about the case better. They will evaluate the existing evidence and check all details to evaluate whether the claim is worth pursuing. If the lawyer agrees to work on the case, they will investigate further and take other steps. From looking for evidence and speaking to witnesses to working with medical experts and accident reconstruction specialists, they will take care of the rest. If the matter goes to trial, your lawyer will argue before the jury.
Avoid the usual mistakes
Do not post details about the accident or your injuries on social media. You don’t want to arm the other party and insurance companies with evidence that can be used against you. Also, don’t make the mistake of negotiating with the insurance company adjuster alone. The first offer is always likely to be on the lower side. Your attorney knows how to find tactics and evaluate insurance offers, and they will never settle for less.
Your personal injury lawyer in Louisville is your biggest resource and trusted guide as you navigate through the entire process. they will offer the required support so that you can focus on your recovery.
