Steps to Take to Receive Full Compensation for an Injury Claim

The average hospital stay in Ohio costs about $10,000 a day. A day of surgical procedures or in an intensive care unit could cost several times more than that. The property damage in a personal injury claim, especially a car crash claim, could be even higher. Lost wages, especially in a catastrophic injury case that means several months off work, could be higher still. Frequently, the noneconomic damages in a personal injury claim, such as pain and suffering, could be two or three times as high as the economic losses.

Most of us know what it is like to play from behind. Good teams often come from behind, but the fight is longer and harder. In the wake of a personal injury, many victims unintentionally put their legal teams in difficult positions. Victims say or do things they should not and do not say or do things they should. Your Toledo personal injury lawyer can help you determine what to do and what not to do in these situations. If an attorney gets a head start, obtaining maximum compensation is easier. At this point, maximum compensation for an injury is the best possible outcome.

Immediately After an Injury

Many accident victims sustain catastrophic injuries. So, they are unconscious or otherwise in no position to say anything to anyone for any reason. Other victims are seriously injured. They have serious broken bones, internal injuries, or other wounds. But their injuries are not immediately life-threatening. These victims must watch what they say and do.

Never give a statement to anyone other than a first responder or, if the policy requires it, your own insurance company. Even then, keep things general. Answer emergency responder questions as specifically and narrowly as possible. 

As for the insurance company statement, a general “I was in an accident” statement is good enough for the time being. If the adjuster presses you for details, simply say you do not feel like talking. Then, your Toledo personal injury lawyer can fill in the details later.

Never, ever give a statement to the other party’s insurance company. Telephone adjusters know how to gently pry damaging information from victims. Later, insurance company lawyers twist these statements into things the victim never intended to say. Once again, let your attorney tell the insurance company your side of the story at a later date.

On a related note, avoid speaking to the other driver, property owner, or other parties. Definitely do not say or imply the other party was at fault. That makes victims appear vindictive. Do not apologize, either. A lawyer could twist an apology into a liability admission.

Within 24 Hours of an Injury

If emergency responders didn’t send you to a hospital, see a doctor ASAP, and in no event more than 24 hours after the wreck. Many personal injuries are degenerative. The longer victims wait to get help, the more difficult their injuries are to treat. Additionally, unless victims promptly see doctors, insurance company lawyers usually argue that their injuries are not very severe.

On a related note, never refuse emergency transportation, even if you don’t “feel” injured. Only a doctor can tell how badly, if at all, you were injured.

Also, start looking for an attorney within 24 hours. Your lawyer should have experience in personal injury law. That means trial experience as well as practice experience. Additionally, your attorney should be dedicated to personal injury law and be available to meet with you or answer your questions.

Your legal case is a lot like your medical case. The sooner a lawyer gets started, the better the results usually are.

Work With Hard-Hitting Lucas County Attorneys

Injury victims are entitled to substantial compensation. For a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Toledo, contact Lafferty, Gallagher & Scott LLC.