If you have been in an accident and have decided to file a personal injury claim, you will need to make a strong and persuasive case to ensure you get the compensation you are due. Immediately following a personal injury, there are some crucial steps you must take to maximize the efficacy of your claim.

1. Preserve and Document Evidence

In personal injury cases, there is no such thing as too much information. It is best to start off with as much evidence as possible to build a strong case. This means taking photos, collecting names, and even contact information. If applicable, get a copy of the police report. Your personal injury lawyer will follow up on your evidence to get more details and statements to prepare your case.

2. Seek Medical Treatment

In a sense, your injuries and losses count as evidence in your personal injury case. Your doctor and other healthcare professionals will help to take pictures and provide detailed information about your injuries, as well as both short-term and long-term repercussions. Injuries do not just result in pain – they are often accompanied by physical therapy treatments, as well as mental health programs for flashbacks, depression, and even PTSD. The details of your treatment help build the case for compensation of your personal expenses and ongoing losses.

3. There’s More than One Type of Personal Injury

Your attorney will let you know that any personal injury usually results in more losses than simply medical bills. There are emotional and psychological damages, lost wages, and in severe cases, a loss of physical functionality. Keep this in mind when making a full evaluation of your claim.

4. Don’t Accept the First Offer

After an injury, you want to recoup your losses. However, this can work against you when the other party gives you a low offer. Work with your attorney and let them know you are willing to go the distance to maximize your compensation, instead of taking the first offer on the table.

5. Future Damages

You have to look down the road for any future damages, and consult with your attorney and healthcare professionals. You may not fully recover from your injury, or be able to perform your job at the same level. You may have chronic pain or even recurring psychological issues, such as nightmares and anxiety attacks. A personal injury and the accompanying claim is not just for the here and now, but for the long-term repercussions.

6. File Your Case

Personal injury claims must be filed within a certain period of time. Holding off on filing a case can severely limit your chances of success, or even exclude you from any compensation. If there are long-term repercussions, you need to make your case as soon as possible.

7. Don’t Use Social Media

Remember, you are not the only party involved in a personal injury case, and the other party also has a legal team. They will scour your public social media profiles after your injury, looking for anything that might indicate you are not as hurt as you claim. Taking pictures, posting, and commenting on social media will work against your case.

At Goodwyn Law Firm, LLC we provide first-class representation in personal injury cases of all types. Our team will work with you to build a strong case and give you nothing sort of our best service. With our experience and depth of knowledge in personal injury cases, you will be sure to get what’s rightfully yours faster.