Whether you have been involved in an automobile accident, slipped on a wet floor at work, or been bitten by a friend’s dog, chances are you have been severely injured and will need medical attention. When situations such as these happen, you will also likely have to take time off from your job, have many medical bills start showing up in your mailbox, and possibly have to endure tremendous pain and suffering. Because of this, it’s often a good idea to consider filing a personal injury claim against those who were responsible for your injuries. However, to do so and be successful in proving your case, there are many things to take into consideration when filing a personal injury case.
Collect Evidence
According to numerous personal injury attorneys, the biggest mistake most personal injury victims make is failing to collect the evidence necessary to help them prove their case. This can include taking photographs or videos of the damage to your car when an accident occurs, documenting a wet floor that caused you to fall, or having a photograph of the bites and scratches sustained from a dog attack. Whatever the case may be, having as much photographic and other evidence as possible will greatly increase your chances of having a successful personal injury case.
Witness Contact Information
Since in many of these cases it often comes down to one person’s word against the other person’s version of events, personal injury attorneys know the importance of witness testimony. As a result, it’s vital you get the names and contact information of anyone who may have witnessed your accident. Even if they think they have nothing to offer your case, the fact is even the slightest details can sometimes change the direction of your case. Therefore, get this information and give it to your attorney, who can contact the people if needed regarding your case.
Keep Track Of Everything
Since personal injury cases can be very complex, personal injury attorneys need to have as many specifics as possible to determine how much to seek in damages. Because of this, it’s crucial that you keep track of all medical bills that have been sent to you, as well as how much time you have missed from work and the ensuing wages you have lost due to your injuries. By having this information readily available for your attorney, they will be able to assess your situation, decide if you have a relevant case, and then determine the amount of monetary damages to be sought.
Do Not Procrastinate
Along with the contact information of witnesses and copies of medical bills and other paperwork, it’s important to have a sense of urgency when preparing to file a claim. Because most states have statutes of limitations regarding these cases, failing to act in a timely manner can cause you to potentially lose out on the financial compensation you deserve. So rather than let those who were negligent get by unscathed, make sure to speak with an experienced and knowledgeable personal injury attorney as soon as possible after your accident.
Medical Records
Along with your medical bills, be sure to have copies of your medical records to show your attorney. By doing so, your attorney can examine the records and also have them looked at by independent medical experts, who may in fact be called upon to testify on your behalf as expert witnesses. By having these records readily available, your attorney can begin the process of building what will hopefully be a winning case.
Contact An Attorney
No matter what type of injury you sustained, having a free consultation with an experienced lawyer can make all the difference. By working with a lawyer who is determined to see justice served, you will be well on your way to gaining the compensation you deserve.
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