One of the most common kinds of accidents is a slip and fall accident. The scariest thing about a slip and fall is that one can happen anywhere and completely without warning. Victims have no ability to defend their bodies from the serious injuries and trauma that can result. Unfortunately, sometimes the consequences can last for the rest of their life.
Despite how serious such an injury can be, an insurance company may be resistant when it comes to settling your claim. When this happens, it’s important to know your rights. Below are five tips for getting your slip and fall claim settled quickly.
1) Obtain Evidence
As soon as you have had your accident, you should be trying to collect evidence of the accident and corresponding injuries that occurred. Take photos of both the surface you slipped on as well as all physically apparent injuries. Write a report about what happened and have it time-stamped or dated in some verifiable manner.
2) Obtain Witness Testimony
Witnesses to your slip and fall accident can also greatly increase the chances of your insurance claim succeeding. Obtain the names and contact information of multiple witnesses if at all possible. Having more than one witness can help make your case rock solid.
3) Get Medical Documentation
You should be going to a doctor immediately after such an accident. Waiting too long to do so can be a crucial mistake, because you may have trouble proving the accident lead to your medical condition. Instead, go to a doctor or medical care facility immediately and obtain medical records that confirm that the injuries from the fall, when they occurred, and how serious they are.
4) Call the Police
After a serious accident has occurred, it may also be a good idea to call the police. If a police report of the incident is created, this can certainly go a long way towards proving your case in court. Any judge and any jury will find police reports and police testimony highly credible.
5) Hire a Good Attorney
Dealing with an insurance company on your own can be a nightmare. You may feel like an ant pushing up against a mountain. Thankfully, you can find someone to be your advocate and help you obtain the settlement you deserve. Seek out a lawyer with experience with both insurance claims as well as slip and fall injuries.
If your insurance claim is denied, do not give up. If you have the evidence to prove a causal link between your slip and fall and your injuries, you can certainly still obtain the compensation you deserve. Work with a professional to learn what your options are and decide how to proceed.
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