What Should I Do to Protect My Injury Claim?

What Should I Do to Protect My Injury Claim?

After an injury, everything can feel overwhelming, from medical treatment to the legal requirements of an injury. In the midst of so much chaos, the actions you take regarding your claim can significantly impact your ability to secure fair compensation. This process can feel daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. At the law firm of Chris J. Roy, Jr. APLC, we’ve guided countless clients through this process for over 30 years, ensuring they have the support needed to be able to focus on recovery.

To protect your injury claim, it is crucial to act thoughtfully from the very beginning. Essential steps to take include:

• Seek immediate medical attention.
• Document everything that is related to the incident and your injuries.
• Report the incident to the appropriate authorities.
• Be cautious when speaking with insurance adjusters.
• Avoid discussing your case on social media.
• Consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer.

Rational, careful actions can be incredibly helpful for safeguarding your claim.

What Can Hurt a Personal Injury Claim?

Several common missteps can weaken your claim, as insurance companies often look for reasons to reduce or deny a settlement. Actions like delaying medical treatment can be interpreted as a sign that your injuries aren’t serious. Similarly, providing a recorded statement to an insurer without legal counsel can unintentionally give them words to use against you later. Posting about your accident or recovery on social media can also jeopardize your case, as photos and comments can be taken out of context to dispute the severity of your injuries.

What Steps Can I Take to Protect My Claim?

Protecting your right to compensation involves a series of proactive measures. By following these steps, you can build a stronger foundation for your case.

1. Prioritize Medical Treatment

Your health is the top priority. Seek medical evaluation immediately after an injury even if you feel fine, remembering that some injuries have delayed symptoms. Following your doctor’s orders, attending all follow-up appointments, and keeping records of your treatment creates an official history of your injuries and their impact.

2. Report the Incident

Formally reporting the accident is a critical step. If you were in a car crash, call the police and ensure a report is filed. If your injury happened on someone else’s property, notify the owner or manager and make sure they document the incident.

3. Document Everything

Maintain thorough documentation by capturing photos and videos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage.  Write down everything you remember about the incident as soon as possible, along with the names and contact information of any witnesses. As time goes on, maintain a file with all medical bills, receipts for related expenses, and correspondence with insurance companies.

4. Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer

Before you speak with an insurance company or accept any settlement offer, contact a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer. An experienced lawyer can handle negotiations with insurers, gather evidence, and accurately value your claim to include all current and future damages. Their help can keep you from settling for less than you deserve.

Take Action to Secure Your Path to Recovery

Following an injury, your focus should be on healing. By taking these protective steps and partnering with a trusted legal advocate, you can guard your claim’s integrity, secure your rights, and pursue the justice you deserve. The team at Chris J. Roy, Jr. APLC is here to lift the legal burden off of you. We work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.

If you need assistance after an accident caused by another’s negligence, we would be honored to help you with your personal injury claim. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to learn how we can help you set things right.