If you have suffered a personal injury after an accident at the store or after an automobile accident, there are many steps you can take to increase your chances of winning against the defendant. In some cases, like some automobile accidents, it is clear who is at fault in the accident. In other cases, there are some questions as to who is responsible for paying for the damages. Here are some tips to follow:
1. Talk to a lawyer as soon as you can
Days matter when it comes to personal injury cases. Memories fade, and people move on with their lives. While the details of the incident are still fresh in your mind, you want to talk to an attorney so he/she can guide you through this process and advise you if you need legal representation for your case or if the lawyer can just help walk through all of the legal details of your case. As more time passes, people tend to forget the specific details of events.
Your attorney may need to speak with your doctor or talk to the witnesses of your accident. Your lawyer will be able to get more specific details if memories about the injuries or accident are still fresh in their mind. Since your law firm has experience with the process, they can lead you toward the next steps in the case.
When you are injured, it is easy to be in the wrong mindset and wait until you feel better to hire legal representation, but this is not the best strategy if you want to win your legal case or receive as much compensation as possible after the accident.
2. See a physician
In the legal system, documentation is important. A doctor will not only give you the steps to get on the path to recovery, but a physician also provides expert opinion and documentation needed by the courts. Going to see a doctor also shows you are doing everything in your power to recover from your injuries. It is always easier to fight for the compensation you deserve when you are feeling better, and a qualified doctor can accelerate your road to recovery.
3. File a police report
Anytime you are in an accident, you should always file a police report. Virginia law requires drivers to report accidents within 24 hours whenever possible. This provides documentation from a police officer that an accident occurred. If the police are not involved, you run the risk of the other driver changing their story when they talk to their insurance company. The police report clearly states the facts of the incident, and the parties will not have much room to change their stories once the report is published. You can request a copy of the police report several days after the accident from the jurisdiction where the automobile accident occurred.
4. Get your insurance company involved
Insurance companies require policyholders to report accidents as soon as possible. Just like with attorneys and law enforcement, they are concerned with gathering the facts of the incident so they know who is at fault in the accident. They also recognize it is to their financial benefit to settle a claim in the shortest time frame possible, so they have financial incentive to resolve accident claims quickly.
5. Document the details of the incident
Write down all of the details of the incident as soon as you can following the event. Use your Android or iPhone to take photographs of the scene, as this can provide crucial evidence for proving your case. You will also want to have your own copies of medical records, police reports, and other documentation available to give to your lawyer.
These are some of the ways you can increase your chances of winning your personal injury case. An attorney can review the specific facts surrounding your case to determine the best course of action necessary to ensure you receive the maximum amount of compensation possible for your injury claim. Epperly & Follis, P.C. is located in Richmond, Virginia, and has been representing clients in personal injury cases for many years. Give us a call at 804-648-6480 to schedule an appointment with one of our attorneys today.