The financial burdens associated with a personal injury can be crippling to you and your family. The compensation you receive as part of a personal injury lawsuit can be integral to helping you stay financially afloat during this difficult time. Therefore, it’s crucial that you maximize the value of your compensation. This is especially true if your injuries result in the need for long-term medical care.
The following tips will help ensure your settlement covers the total extent of your damages.
Hire an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer
During your initial consultation, ask to see your attorney’s prior verdicts and settlements for cases similar to yours. While past results won’t guarantee a successful outcome in your case, it will give you an understanding of what the lawyer has achieved for other clients in comparable situations to yours.
Preserve Evidence
In order to recover compensation for your damages, you’ll need evidence proving that your injuries were caused by the negligent actions of another. It’s always best to start gathering evidence right after the accident occurred. If you wait too long, witnesses may forget what happened, physical evidence may get lost, and you may have more difficulty proving your case.
The following types of evidence will help you prove your case:
- Eyewitness accounts of the accident (you should always record the names and contact information of any witnesses)
- Photos of the accident scene and your injuries
- Copies of all accident reports, including any police reports that were filed
- Copies of video surveillance, if possible
Visit a Doctor
You should always have your injuries treated by a medical professional as soon as possible following an accident. This will:
- Ensure you receive treatment in a timely manner, which can improve your chances of a recovery in cases of serious injuries
- Document that your injuries were caused by the accident
Avoid Social Media
The attorney representing the negligent party will try to prove your injuries haven’t seriously impacted your life. Often, your social media accounts will be an important tool to accomplish this goal. Social media posts showing you having fun on vacation or back to your normal life shortly after the accident can potentially reduce the value of your compensation. To avoid this issue, you should avoid posting on social media while your lawsuit is in progress.
Contact our Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers
Please contact the Sklare Law Group using the form on this page or call 312-263-0771 today to schedule a complimentary consultation. We serve clients in Chicago and the surrounding areas of Illinois.
