How Do I Get the Most Out of My Personal Injury Claim?
First, determine how much you are willing or able to settle. Do you want compensation or just a settlement? What is the deal-breaker in your claim? Consider medical bills, lost earnings, and emotional trauma. You should also know your settlement amount and deal-breaker for the injury you suffered. You should know whether you’re going to file a lawsuit or settle for a lesser amount.
Treatment and records related to the accident
Once you have been involved in an accident, it’s essential to get copies of all medical records and billing information. You should collect all records related to your care, from hospital stays to emergency rooms visits. You might also want to collect any financial documents, including your insurance policy and canceled checks, related to the accident. In any case, be sure to keep these records for at least six months after the accident.
Personal injury claims are complicated because of pre-existing medical conditions
While having a pre-existing medical condition can be beneficial, it also makes a personal injury claim more difficult. A pre-existing condition makes a claim more difficult, because it makes the injured party appear as though they have a pre-existing condition. For example, if you have a history of back pain or neck pain, the chiropractor you see for your treatment might not have adequately addressed your problem. If your condition was already present at the time of the accident, the insurance adjuster will doubt the legitimacy of your injuries and argue that you overtreated your injuries.
It is important to hire a lawyer
Sometimes, a personal injury case requires the assistance of an attorney. Personal injury claims can be complex and can have a major impact on someone’s life. An attorney can help you save time and money by representing you in negotiations with your insurance company. It is important to fully understand the legal process, and ask many questions. A lawyer can make a big difference in the outcome of your case.
Limitations statute
Personal injury claims are subject to the statute of limitations if they are brought against someone who was negligent or wrongfully injured. The clock starts on the date that the accident occurred, but it can be extended to one year if the injured person becomes aware of the injury within that year. Children have special rules about the time it takes to file a claim. Pennsylvania allows plaintiffs two years to file claims from the date they are injured, and they have six month to file a notice that they intend to sue.
Getting medical treatment
If you’ve been injured in an accident, getting medical treatment out of a personal injury claim is essential for your health. Your medical provider will need clear evidence of your injuries and the treatments that you received. But, many medical providers do not bill your insurance. Instead, they send the bill directly to you and then to your PIP insurance. They may decline to pay your bill because PIP only covers a small amount of the cost.
