If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a negligent driver, then legal action in the form of a personal injury lawsuit is warranted. But to recover the compensation you deserve, you have to present evidence demonstrating that the defendant acted negligently, that their negligence caused your accident, and that you suffered damages as a result of your wreck.
Sometimes this evidence has to be presented at trial, but the truth is that the vast majority of personal injury cases end up resolving through settlement negotiations.
How can you get the most out of your personal injury settlement?
The defendant and the insurance companies involved are going to try limit what they have to pay you. Therefore, you have to go into the negotiation process ready to advocate for a fair outcome. Here are some tips for effectively doing that:
- Know the evidence so that you can identify your case strengths and where your position is vulnerable to attack.
- Follow your doctor’s recommendations so that you create a strong track record of your ongoing medical needs.
- Have photographs of your accident and your injuries.
- Have an expert opinion lined up that would support a finding of causation and damages.
- Document all expenses and noneconomic harm attributable to your accident.
- Avoid minimizing your injuries.
- Be assertive.
Don’t let the defense take control of the settlement negotiations, and don’t agree to the first offer they make. You need to advocate for an outcome that’s fair and that positions you for a successful accident recovery.
Aggressively advocate for liability and compensation
Building a successful personal injury case takes diligence and hard work. While that might leave you feeling stressed, particularly as you try to recover from your accident injuries, don’t worry. You can secure help as you navigate this process.