How Do I Increase My Personal Injury Settlement
When you’re involved in an accident that was caused by the negligence of another, you must take legal action and pursue compensation to cover the cost of your accident-related damages. If you suffered serious injuries, property damage, and other damages, you must prove that the accident and your injuries have severely impacted your life to increase the amount of compensation you can recover.
This can be very difficult, especially if you’re going through a painful recovery. At Lem Garcia Law, our personal injury lawyers have created this guide that may help you increase the amount of compensation you’re able to recover after an accident that was not your fault.
How Can I Prove Damages After An Accident?
There are many ways you can prove the severity of your injuries and how your injuries have affected your life, from preventing you from returning to work to impacting your quality of life and enjoyment of life.
Ways you can increase the compensation you recover and prove your demand for damages include:
Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney
Hiring a personal injury lawyer is the best way to increase the personal injury settlement you’re able to recover. At Lem Garcia Law, our personal injury attorneys are familiar with the tricks and tactics that an insurance company will try to use to minimize payout or deny a claim. They also know what evidence is needed to strengthen your claim and prove your demand for compensation. Working with a personal injury lawyer can significantly increase your chances of recovering the fair settlement you’re owed, compared to going through the settlement negotiation process alone.
Gathering and Documenting Evidence
Gather evidence, including:
- Photos of your injuries right after the accident and during the recovery process
- Photos of property damage
- Repair estimates for property damage
- Medical records
- Expert testimony
- Statements from family, friends, and coworkers regarding how your injuries have impacted your life
- Keep a pain journal, documenting throughout the day how your injuries affect you, limit what you’re able to do, and how severe the pain is, using a pain scale from 1-10
Evaluating the Extent of Injuries
You must make it to every doctor’s appointment and follow your doctor’s treatment instructions carefully. Keep all documentation from your doctor’s visits. Your doctor can also provide a statement regarding the severity of your injuries and how your injuries affect you and your ability to walk, lift heavy objects, stay on your feet, and return to work.
Calculating Medical Expenses and Loss of Income
If you sustained a life-changing injury and you are unable to return to work due to your injuries, a personal injury lawyer will consult with experts to determine how your injuries affect you now and how they will affect you in the future, based on your prognosis. Your attorney may consult with experts such as surgeons, physical therapists, neurologists, and other medical professionals to determine how severe your injuries are and whether you will ever be able to return to work. They may also consult with economists, forensic accountants, life care planners, and other experts to determine the accurate cost of future medical expenses and loss of income.
Contact Us Today
If you were injured in an accident that was caused by the negligence of another, the personal injury lawyers at Lem Garcia Law can help you recover the fair settlement you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation to learn more about how we can help you during this difficult time.