What You Can Do to Help Your Personal Injury Case

If you are harmed by another person’s negligence, it is important that you understand your legal right to pursue compensation for the harm you have suffered.

Below, our Hasbrouck Heights personal injury lawyers discuss the steps you can take early in the claims process that may help you secure the compensation you deserve.

At Lynch Law Firm, PC, we believe that our clients are an integral part of their personal injury case. We can discuss the details of your case and how you can help during a free, no obligation consultation.

Act Quickly

Although the moments after an accident can often be confusing, it is important that you act quickly to protect your legal rights.

In New Jersey, you only have two years from the date your accident occurred to file a personal injury lawsuit under the state’s statute of limitations, according to NJ Rev. Stat. § 2A: 14-2.

It is also best to get started on your claim as quickly as possible to prevent critical evidence from being destroyed or lost and to prevent witnesses from forgetting the details of the accident.

If you wait too long to file your personal injury claim and miss the two-year deadline, you will lose the right to pursue compensation. For this reason, you should get started on your claim as quickly as possible.

Seek Medical Care

It is important to seek medical treatment after an accident even if you do not believe you have been injured. Some injuries are not immediately apparent. Seeking medical attention can help discover unknown injuries and prevent complications.

Additionally, immediately seeking medical attention can also help you establish a link between the accident and your injuries.

When you see a health care provider, be clear that you are seeking attention because of the accident. You should thoroughly and accurately describe your injuries without exaggerating or minimizing them.

Also, be sure to attend all of your medical appointments and follow all of your doctor’s orders to prevent the insurance company from arguing that you caused your injuries to get worse.

Hire a Lawyer

Talking to a personal injury lawyer about your claim will allow your attorney to start taking the necessary steps to protect your rights. The sooner you contact a personal injury lawyer, the sooner he or she can work to pursue the compensation you deserve.

A personal injury lawyer knows about the tricks insurance companies play and the ways they try to minimize payouts to innocent victims. He or she can work to gather evidence to support your claim and its value.

Understand the Process

When meeting with your lawyer, discuss what you should expect. You likely will not receive a settlement overnight, so it is important that you understand the potential timeline involved.

If your case goes to trial, you may have to participate in the discovery process and may be deposed. Your attorney can explain these processes and what will be expected of you.

Tell Your Lawyer Everything

Keep your attorney informed about your injury treatment and recovery. Let your attorney know if your condition has gotten worse or improved.

If you were diagnosed with additional injuries, provide this information to your lawyer. It is important that your personal injury attorney has a complete understanding of the extent of your injuries.

Also, remember to consistently check in with your personal injury lawyer. Your lawyer may need information from you to prepare a demand letter to the insurance company or to prepare documents for court.

Keep Documented Records

You will be given many documents and other forms of evidence throughout the process. It is important that you keep original documentation and provide it to your lawyer. Keep all of the following in a safe place:

You should also take thorough notes to help you remember things about your case. Your lawyer may ask you to keep a journal that describes your symptoms and pain as you recover from your injury. Keep detailed notes about your medical appointments and doctor’s instructions.

Additionally, keep detailed records of any communications you have with the insurance company.

Furthermore, it may help to take photos of your injuries throughout the course of your recovery. These photos should include photos that accurately document the progression of your injury and how it heals over time.

Do Not Discuss Your Case

It is imperative that you do not discuss your case with anyone other than your personal injury attorney.

Discussing your case with others could result in those individuals having to testify about anything you have said. Avoid discussing your case with friends, family members or colleagues. Keep all communications between you and your attorney.

Also, avoid making comments on social media. Online posts or comments can be used as evidence against you to discredit your claim.

Furthermore, do not talk to the insurance company directly. Your lawyer can handle these communications to protect your rights.

Contact a Lawyer Today

Having an experienced personal injury attorney on your side as quickly as possible can make a significant difference in your case.

At the Lynch Law Firm, PC, our attorneys have decades of combined legal experience and have handled numerous personal injury claims. During our free initial consultation, we will explain what steps you can take to protect your claim. If we determine that you have a case, we will also gather evidence to support your claim and assist you in every aspect of the claims process.

We provide all of our services on a contingency fee basis, so you only pay us if we help you recover compensation for you.

Complete a Free Case Evaluation form to get started.