Connecticut accident victims have the legal right to file a personal injury lawsuit to seek compensation. Even though most personal injury cases are settled out of court, that doesn’t mean that the victims always receive every penny that they’re entitled to. If you feel you deserve a settlement, you can find some good suggestions here on how to get the best offer.
The easiest way to ensure that your settlement offer is the best one possible is to work with a personal injury lawyer in Connecticut. Imagine having the financial freedom to move forward after an accident with no worries about loss of income or how to pay your bills. It is all possible by having legal representation.
How to Maximize Your Personal Injury Settlement
Even the most slam dunk accident cases can have hoops to jump through and hurdles to hop. Sometimes, the victims in these cases make common mistakes that can seriously jeopardize their potential to receive the maximum compensation possible. Sabotaging a case can happen easily, so following these six tips is important to keep your claim as strong as possible.
Ensure You Claim Everything You Can
There’s nothing worse than accepting a settlement and then realizing that it doesn’t cover all of your damages and leaves you strapped for cash. There are more things that an accident victim can claim other than hospital bills. Connecticut accident victims have the right to claim both economic and non-economic damages. Examples of economic damages include:
- Past and future medical bills
- Past loss wages and expected earnings
- All out-of-pocket expenses related to the injury
Types of non-economic damages are:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Work With a Personal Injury Attorney
Working with an experienced accident attorney is the smartest way to ensure that your case follows the letter of the law to a T. They have the experience and knowledge of how to best approach your specific case and have the legal savvy to negotiate the best settlement agreement. Attempting to receive the maximum compensation without legal guidance will leave money on the table.
Follow Your Doctor’s Orders
One of the main reasons for filing a personal injury claim is to recover damages sustained due to the accident. It amplifies the need to maintain your medical treatment and follow everything your medical team tells you to do. Postponing or delaying any needed medical treatment will be a red flag to the defendant’s insurance company and will provide them with a reason to lessen or deny a settlement.
Stay Off Your Socials
While it’s quite normal to post daily on your favorite social media platform, it’s not advisable to do so when in negotiations for a personal injury settlement. If you’re claiming physical and emotional damages, yet your socials paint a much different picture, this can quickly cause harm to your claims. Despite posting a family photo and you’re smiling through the pain, savvy insurance company adjusters may use this harmless photo against you.
Don’t Agree to a Recorded Statement
Insurance companies often will reach out to plaintiffs in a friendly manner and offer them the opportunity to tell their side of the story. What seems like a kind gesture is not what it seems. Unscrupulous adjusters can ask leading questions, and if you’ve agreed to a recorded statement, they will use this to limit their liability. If contacted, kindly decline and refer them to your personal injury lawyer, who will answer all questions on your behalf.
Never Accept the First Offer
If you’ve already been offered a settlement agreement, this is a sure sign that the insurance company is well aware that their client is responsible for the accident and is liable for your damages. Although that first offer may seem like the answer to your growing financial concerns and a way to put this tragic event behind you, it is most likely a lowball figure. Never negotiate with an insurance company yourself. Only an experienced personal injury attorney has that kind of savvy.
Maximize Your Connecticut Personal Injury Settlement: Final Words
It can be far too easy to damage your personal injury settlement by making a few honest but common mistakes. Not seeking all damages can quickly take money off the table. Any delays or lapses in medical treatment are also red flags to the defendant’s insurance company and can be used against you. It’s important to note that a first settlement offer is never the best.
Connecticut accident victims will receive maximum compensation for all of their damages by quickly hiring an experienced personal injury attorney. While you’re coping with injuries and financial worries, they’ll be negotiating for the best possible settlement.
