Georgia Injury Lawyers Blog
Most injury victims do not have experience in handling personal injury claims. Insurance companies know this, and they sometimes take advantage of that fact. Injury victims have the right to hire their own accident lawyers to protect their legal rights. Below are four essential steps to follow when negotiating a personal injury settlement. To learn more, call our office today to speak with a personal injury lawyer in Atlanta.
Do not discuss your case with anyone other than your attorney.
Anything you say about the accident can be used against you by the insurance company. This includes anything you blurt out in the confusion of the accident scene or say to another driver involved in the accident or even something you later confide to a friend. Only the conversations you have with your attorney are “privileged” (meaning they cannot be used as evidence in court).
Do not post anything about your case on social media.
A large portion of our lives is now documented on the internet. Insurance companies have expert investigators who are experienced in finding social media accounts. Even if you think you have privacy settings on your account, it is still possible for an insurance company investigator to find your information. Captions, tags, photos, comments, and entire posts can all be twisted into something that hurts your case – even if you think it has nothing to do with the accident. The best practice is to post as little as possible until your claim has been resolved.
Document all of your injuries and losses as thoroughly as possible.
A large part of a personal injury settlement is compensation for pain and suffering. It is important to be able to prove the value of your pain and suffering to the insurance company, and there are many ways to do this. You should photograph any bruises, cuts, or other visible injuries. You can also keep a “pain journal” that documents the severity and frequency of your pain, as well as the way it affects your life. If you are unable to sleep or work due to your injuries, these are very real losses, and you are entitled to compensation for them.
Get an attorney’s opinion about the fair value of your case.
Never forget that the insurance company is working for the other side. You should never accept the value they assign to your case – get an opinion from an injury lawyer who is on your side.
Contact an Atlanta Car Accident Attorney to Schedule a Free Case Evaluation Today
If you have been hurt in an accident, you should contact a lawyer as soon as possible. At Slappey & Sadd, we know how to get injured victims the compensation they deserve and review your case at no cost to you. Furthermore, we will only collect legal fees if you receive compensation.. To schedule your free consultation with an attorney, call our office today at 888.474.9616 or contact us online.