How to Maximize Your Personal Injury Claim

By Jason Bottlinger on February 28, 2022

If you have been hurt through someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, you are entitled to pursue compensation for your injuries. It is essential to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney before accepting any offer from an insurance adjuster. Insurance companies are in business for profit. The adjuster’s job is to minimize the company’s payout – not to make sure you are fully and fairly compensated. The following tips can help you maximize your personal injury claim.

Use Your Cell Phone Camera to Capture Evidence at the Scene

A picture is worth a thousand words, particularly at the scene of a crash. Nearly everyone carries a smartphone today. If you are physically able, use your cell phone camera to take pictures of everything relevant to the collision, the parties involved, any eyewitnesses, property damage, and injuries sustained.

• Get pictures of the vehicles involved, including their relative positions and the damage to the vehicles. Take several shots from different angles and distances.
• Take pictures of the other drivers and any eyewitnesses to the crash. If possible, get a picture of the other driver’s license and insurance information.
• Take shots of the crash scene, including street signs, traffic lights or signs, and any skid marks or crash debris in the road.
• If you sustained visible injuries, take pictures of those, as well.

Make sure you get contact information for any eyewitnesses and get a copy of the police report when it is available.

Get Medical Treatment and Keep Detailed Records

Even if you believe your injuries are minor, it is essential to see a doctor as soon as possible after a collision. Adrenaline and the shock of the incident can mask injury symptoms immediately after a crash. A thorough examination by a qualified medical professional, along with any diagnostics ordered, can help spot injuries that might not otherwise be detected immediately, so you can begin receiving the proper treatment right away.

Prompt medical treatment also serves another purpose. It documents your injuries for your personal injury claim. Be sure to tell your doctor about any symptoms you are experiencing, keep all medical appointments, and follow your doctor’s advice. It is also important to tell your attorney about prior accidents or pre-existing injuries.

Document Everything Relevant to Your Case

Thorough documentation can help build your personal injury case. Write down everything that happens, including:

• Names, contact, and insurance information for the other drivers involved in the wreck
• Names and contact information for witnesses to the crash
• All symptoms you experience
• Doctors appointments and treatments recommended by your doctor
• Referrals from your doctor to a physical therapist, chiropractor, or other specialist, and any treatments you receive
• Records of all your medical expenses, including prescription or over-the-counter medications

Be Patient About Your Settlement

It could take many months for your claim to settle, so be patient. If you settle too early, your compensation could be less. It may take some time for the extent of your injuries to become evident or to receive the treatment or surgery you will need for the maximum benefit. Our Omaha personal injury attorney can advise you on the best time to settle your claim.

Bottlinger Law L.L.C. was founded in 2013 and founding attorney Jason Bottlinger has been practicing since 2006. We have many years of experience successfully representing injured people in personal injury matters. We can investigate your accident, assess the full extent of your injuries, negotiate skillfully with insurance companies on your behalf, and take your case to court if necessary to recover the compensation you deserve. If you have been seriously injured through someone else’s negligence, call us at (402) 505-8234 to find out how we can help.