One of the primary objectives you have, after you are injured by another person's negligence, is protecting your right to seek compensation. There are several ways that you can do this. Be sure that you are thinking carefully about everything you do because any small issues can lead to trouble when you are ready to make your claim.
Your attention to detail starts as soon as you get into the accident. From that point, you need to be hyper-vigilant about what you are saying and doing. You can't ever say or do anything that is going to make anyone around you think that you are claiming fault, even the smallest bit, for the accident. Things as seemingly innocent as "I'm sorry" can have a negative impact on your case.
Another area where you need to use caution is when you are dealing with the insurance company. When talking with representatives, remember that they are out to protect the company. They aren't there to protect you. With this in mind, think carefully about any offers they make.
Protecting your interests
When you file your claim, the insurance company is probably going to come to you with a settlement offer. This is almost certainly going to be a lowball offer. They are playing on the fact that you might be desperate for money after the accident. Don't be tempted to accept.
After any accident, including a car or semi-truck crash, you won't know the amount of the damages to which you are entitled until you know your actual diagnosis. Knowing what injuries you have makes it possible to determine the cost of medical care that you will have to pay.
When thinking about a settlement for your claim, you need to include future bills and expenses. Adding up the current and past costs is fairly easy, but focusing on this only can mean that you end up paying a costly sum out of your own pocket later. Once you accept a settlement, you can't come back to ask for more money later. Instead, you need to ensure that you are getting money for past, current, and future accident-related expenses.
As tempting as it is to rush through the process of working out the personal injury claim, don't feel as though you have to. You need to protect your best interests. There is too much at stake in terms of your health and financial well-being to be bullied into a quick and tidy settlement that favors the insurance company.
