So, you got hurt because of someone else’s actions in Little Rock? That’s a personal injury case. It could be a car crash caused by a reckless driver, a slip and fall at a store, or even an accident at work.
To win your case, you must show that the other person was careless and their mistake led to your injury. This way, you can get a fair settlement that covers any expenses incurred and compensates for the pain and suffering you’ve gone through.
But how exactly do you win a personal injury case? That’s where we come in. In this article, we share five practical tips for winning your personal injury case in Little Rock. So, let’s jump right in. Shall we?
1. Get Treatment
When you work with a Little Rock personal injury lawyer, they will tell you that the first thing you need to do to help your personal injury case is to get medical treatment for your injuries. This step is crucial because it allows you to get a diagnosis for delayed injuries and those masked by adrenaline.
Therefore, even if it doesn’t feel like your injuries are severe, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately to avoid preventable complications. It’s equally important to follow the at-home care instructions your doctor provides to ensure you have a full recovery.
This medical visit also goes a long way in helping your case because it’s a way of documenting your injuries. Failing to report your injuries gives the other party’s insurance company grounds to claim that you did not sustain injuries, which may affect your chances of winning the case.
2. Understand How Personal Injury Cases Work
Once you’ve sought treatment, you can concentrate your efforts on your case. For starters, you need to understand how such cases work and what you need to prove to win the case. You should aim at proving;
- That you incurred injuries
- That someone else’s inaction led to your injuries
- That the defendant was able to act in a manner that would have prevented the accident from happening
The goal is to build your case around these three requirements. This way, you’ll have enough evidence to prove that, indeed, your injuries resulted from someone else’s negligence. As a result, you’ll have a better chance of winning the case. According to the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics, plaintiffs win personal injury trials approximately 52 percent of the time. This means you have a good chance.
3. Gather Enough Evidence
You might have been hurt, you have injuries to prove it, and there’s no shadow of a doubt that it was due to someone else’s negligence. However, without evidence to prove it, you have no case, and there’s a great chance you’ll walk away with no compensation.
The only way to prevent this from happening is to gather sufficient evidence to prove your case. Some of the evidence that may come in handy include:
- Medical records
- Medical bills
- Payslip (it should reflect income loss from the time of the accident)
- Photographs of the injuries and the scene of the accident
- CCTV footage
- Witness statements
- Witnesses’ contact details
- Accident reports (in motor vehicle accident cases)
Aside from these crucial documents, it may also be helpful to prove how the injuries affect you on a daily basis. Don’t rely on your memory for this. Consider journaling about your daily experiences since the accident. How hard is it to carry out tasks that were previously effortless to do? How many appointments have you attended? How are your injuries healing?
4. Avoid Talking to Insurance Adjusters
After the accident, you can expect the defendant’s insurance company to contact you. They tend to make it seem like they want to help you, but in real sense, they want to lowball you and avoid paying you a higher settlement in court. They may also be aiming at knowing what your next move is so that they can have an easy time poking holes into your case and have a better chance of having it thrown out.
Don’t fall for these tactics. You’re under no obligation to talk to insurance adjusters. However, if you decide to, be wise with how you answer their questions. Stick to the facts of how and when the accident happened, and don’t share any more details about the case. If they ask about your injuries, say that you’re still undergoing treatment. This way, if your injuries worsen with time, they have no way of claiming you said your injuries were not severe.
5. Hire an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer
Most people involved in personal injury cases tend to avoid hiring attorneys because of the legal fees involved, but it could make the difference between winning and losing your case. Therefore, consider getting a lawyer involved as soon as possible.
An experienced lawyer will shed light on all the damages you’re entitled to that you might not have been aware of. They can also help you gather evidence and use their networks to help with investigations. Not to mention, they can negotiate a higher settlement than you would probably get alone–even after considering the legal fees.
Choose a lawyer who has an excellent reputation in the industry, has years of experience, and has a track record of winning cases similar to yours.
Wrapping Up
By following the tips we’ve shared in this article, you have a good chance of winning your personal injury case and securing the settlement you deserve. Therefore, don’t leave any stone unturned. Gather the evidence and work with an experienced lawyer for the best outcome.
