Ross Mann Personal Injury Lawyers | March 4, 2025 | Personal Injury
If you have been injured in an accident, you may be wondering how to get the money you need to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Most personal injury claims are settled with insurance companies, but the process is not always easy. Insurance companies want to pay as little as possible, so you need to be prepared. Understanding how to handle your claim can help you get a fair settlement.
Step 1: Report the Accident and Start the Claim
The first thing you should do after an accident is report it to the insurance company. If another person was at fault, you will likely need to file a claim with their insurance provider. If you have personal injury protection (PIP) or medical payments coverage, your own insurance may help cover some of your expenses.
Contacting a personal injury attorney at this stage is also a good idea. A lawyer can help you understand your rights and make sure the insurance company does not take advantage of you.
Step 2: Gather Evidence
To get the best possible settlement, you need to prove that your injury was caused by the accident and that it has affected your life. This means gathering important evidence, such as:
- Medical records and bills
- Photos of your injuries and the accident scene
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Proof of lost wages
Insurance companies will look for any reason to lower your payment, so having strong evidence is important. If you are unsure what documents you need, a personal injury lawyer can help collect the right information.
Step 3: Calculate Your Damages
Before you accept any settlement, you need to know how much your claim is worth. Damages in a personal injury case include:
- Medical Expenses – doctor visits, hospital stays, surgery, therapy, and medication
- Lost Wages – money you lost because you were unable to work
- Pain and Suffering – compensation for physical pain and emotional distress
- Future Expenses – if you need long-term care or more treatments later
Insurance companies often offer less than what you deserve, so it is important to speak with a personal injury attorney who can help calculate a fair amount.
Step 4: Negotiate with the Insurance Company
After you submit your claim, the insurance company will make an offer. This first offer is usually low. They want to see if you will accept less than what your claim is worth. You have the right to negotiate and ask for more.
Here are some tips for negotiating:
- Do not accept the first offer unless it fully covers your expenses.
- Be polite but firm.
- Use your evidence to show why you deserve more money.
- Have a personal injury lawyer handle negotiations for you.
Insurance companies have teams of lawyers working for them, so having your own legal representation can make a big difference.
Step 5: Review the Settlement Offer
Once the insurance company makes a fair offer, review the settlement carefully. Make sure it covers all your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. If you accept the offer, you will likely have to sign a release form, which means you cannot ask for more money later.
Before signing anything, it is always smart to have a personal injury attorney review the agreement. A lawyer can make sure you are not being underpaid or giving up your rights.
Step 6: Receive Your Settlement
Once you accept the offer, the insurance company will send your payment. This can take a few weeks, depending on the company and the terms of the settlement. If you have medical bills to pay, your lawyer may help ensure those are covered first before you receive the remaining balance.
Contact the Lexington Personal Injury Lawyers of Ross Mann Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
If you were injured in an accident in Lexington, and need legal help, contact our personal injury attorneys at Ross Mann Personal Injury Lawyers, to schedule a free case review today.
We proudly serve Fayette County and the surrounding areas.
Ross Mann Personal Injury Lawyers – Lexington
501 Darby Creek Rd UNIT 48
Lexington, KY 40509
(859) 413-3900