Maximizing your settlement value is a combination of several factors.
Of course, not every case has the same settlement value. In fact, every case is different. Most importantly, a personal injury case is an ever-evolving thing. What may be important today may not be important tomorrow. So, if any attorney says he can tell you how much your case is worth, they are bluffing. They are just wanting you to call so that they can lure you into signing a contract with them. DON’T FALL FOR IT!
Every case has the chance of settling for a its maximum amount. At the same time, that very same case also has the chance of settling for very little or nothing. It all comes down to how the case is managed by the attorney as well as the client.
Here are some things to keep in mind if you are hurt in an accident and plan to make an injury claim:
- Take Good Pictures of the Vehicles: Try to get pictures of the vehicle damages at the scene. Not just of your car, but of all the vehicle involved. These pictrues will serve to show the severity of the accident when the time comes. Just about 3-5 pictures of each vehicle from differnet angles. You don’t have to take hundreds of pictures.
- Take Good Pictures of your Visible Injuries: Over the next few days following an accident, you might have bruises, cuts or abrasions become more prominent. Take gfood quality pictrues of these injuries. Try not to get too close up becuase that tends to diminsh the picture quality and fails to add scale or dimmensions to the injury. Take the picture just far enough that the subject is well focused and you can tell which part of the body the injury is located.
- DO NOT Talk to the Insurance Company First: So many times, clients call me after talking to the insurance adjuster. Then I learn they said something that hurts their case. The insurance adjusters are counting on you to do this. They are trained to call you as soon as possible so that they get to you before you talk to to a lawyer. If the adjuster calls, just get their name, phone number and the claim number. Then, simply tell them the you “are not in a good position to discuss the case right now” and politley excuse yourself from the call.
- NEVER EVER EVER Give a Recorded Statement: Giving a recorded statement before consulting with an attorney is the single worst thing you can do to hurt your case. That is because the accident facts and your injuries are probably still developing. So, what you say in a recorded statement is not only set in stone, but can be misinterpretted, misunderstood, or even manipulated to undermine your case in the future.
- Consult with an Attorney as soon as Possible: The earlier you speak with an experienced personal injury attorney, the earlier you can hire one and take the necessary steps to maximize your case’s value. Only an attorney knows your legal rights and how to preserve them for your benefit. Most, if not all, personal injury attorneys in Dallas provide Free Consultations. Take advantage of the consultation so that you can pick the right attorney for you.
- Keep Up with your Medical Treatment: You medical treatment is the expert proof of your injury. Without the proper medical treatment, your injury cannot be properly documented. Make sure you thoroughly describe your injury and complaints. Do not leave anything out. But don’t exaggerate your injuries either. That could come back to haunt you later.
Proper Case Management Starts at the Beginning and Never Ends Until the Case is Over.
Proper case management starts with the initial investigation, such as:
- Gathering photos and other physical evidence.
- Getting the police report.
- Confirming insurance coverage and reporting the claim.
- Tracking down witnesses.
- Obtaining other police records through an “Open Records Request,” if necessary.
Then, your lawyer will proceed to advance your case through the claim process:
- Making sure the client’s medical treatment is progressing properly.
- Obtaining a complete set of medical records and bills.
- Preparing the case for claim submission.
- Negotiating the claim with the adjuster to reach the best settlement results.
And if your case does not settle:
- Locating the proper parties and filing a lawsuit.
- Proving up your case through discovery and depositions.
- Preparing for and attending mediation.
- Prosecuting and preparing the case for trial, if necessary.
Getting an Experienced Injury Attorney as Early as Possible is Your Best Bet.
I, Robert C. Slim, have been helping vicitms of wrongful death and serious personal injuries throughout the Dallas, Fort Worth, and surrounding areas since 1994. It’s not just a sideline. Personal injury cases are all I handle.
I handle cases resulting from:
- Car and Auto Accidents
- Trucking and 18 Wheeler Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Boating and Personal Watercraft Accidents
- Bicycle Accidents and Pedestrian Injuries
- Dog Bites and Animal Attacks
My conslutation is always FREE and you will speak with me direclty. Therefore, you are getting the proper legal advice straight from an experienced injury attorney. And the advice will be specifically tailored to your case instead of you receiving some canned or rehersed answers from a non-attorney staff member.
Call Now and Let’s Get Started on Your Case.