After being injured in an accident, your first priority should be to seek medical assistance. Your injuries need to be treated so that the condition does not worse with the passage of time. In most cases, both parties deny the negligence and hence, land into a legal battle. Any party can file a lawsuit with the help of a Vermont injury attorney. If any of the parties does not want to go to court, it can ask for a personal injury settlement. Below mentioned are a few factors that you should keep in mind to get the best compensation:
Have a realistic settlement amount in mind
You might have heard of stories where people have received a whopping amount of compensation. However, it depends on several factors. After discussing with your lawyer, you should have a realistic amount in your mind that you are likely to quote. Your case will be reviewed and the amount is decided afterward.
Don’t agree to the first offer
Many plaintiffs are not mentally or physically healthy to fight their cases. They tend to agree to the first amount offered by the defendant or the insurance company. It will reduce your chances to get fair compensation. If you don’t feel fine or are not in the right frame of mind, you should contact your lawyer. He can refuse the first offer and convince the negligent party to pay more.
Elaborate on your suffering and pain
Physical injuries can be evaluated with the help of medical reports and doctor’s remarks. However, mental stress and pain should also be considered in your claim. Some of the factors showing your agony may be loss of income, inability to move, lack of entertainment, and social life. Depending on these factors, the amount of compensation may be increased.
Wait for their responses
It is not a good idea to keep them calling to negotiate. If you have reduced your amount once, you should wait for their response. Moreover, reducing the amount, again and again, can also give a bad impression on the party and insurance company. You should make a statement and stick to it.
Keep an attorney engaged
At the time of negotiating, you should keep an attorney on your side. Everyone else will be more careful while dealing with you or negotiating with you.
An attorney can make a great difference when it comes to increasing the amount of settlement.