If you have had the misfortune of slipping in a store and becoming injured as a result, you may want to file a claim against the store. However, you might not know what steps you should be taking to increase your chances of a settlement. Here are some tips that can help you to be successful.
Don't Wait to File a Claim
If you are busy recovering from your injury, you may think that you can file a personal injury claim whenever you want to. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Different states have different requirements for how long you have to start the process. As soon as you feel able, make it a priority to file your claim.
File an Official Police Report
You might not have thought of calling the police as soon as you slipped, but there are a number of good reasons to remember to file a police report. For instance, a police report is admissible if you end up going to court over the incident. The police report may also have names and phone numbers of witnesses. You might not be able to remember every detail of what happened, but the police report can serve to refresh and assist your memory throughout the process.
Do What the Doctor Orders
It is critical that you follow your doctor's orders. If your doctor says that you should not work, for example, heed those orders and stay home. If you don't follow directions from your doctor, the store's insurance company can claim that you are not as hurt as you claim.
Avoid Taking Settlements without Legal Advice
After your accident, you may start getting calls and letters from the store's insurance company. It is important to exercise caution when you are in contact with them, and to avoid taking a settlement without seeking advice from a personal injury lawyer. Avoid signing documents unless you clearly understand them or have had a lawyer look at them. The insurance company may be trying to get you to sign away the right to file a lawsuit or to get you to take a settlement that is lower than what you might be able to receive if you seek further action. They may sound convincing and what they say may make sense, but talk to a lawyer first.
Use the tips above to help strengthen your claim. Work with a personal injury lawyer who has experience with these types of accidents; they can provide guidance and ensure you receive the settlement you deserve.
Share2 July 2015
When I was a child, my father was the pastor of a small evangelical church in my hometown. I always enjoyed going to church in order to play with my friends. One of these friends suffered a horrific accident at a local gas station one day. As he was walking towards the entrance to the gas station, he was struck by a vehicle. His leg was seriously injured during the accident. To help with the expenses of recovery, his father hired an accident and personal injury attorney. This professional helped my friend’s father sue the person who struck his son. On this blog, you will discover the advantages of hiring an accident and personal injury attorney after incurring injuries from a devastating accident.