Maison Law helps people through the legal process when they’ve been injured in an accident in California. Filing a claim is all about getting a settlement that covers your damages. But it can be hard to know the full extent of your injuries or how long your recovery will take. That’s why it’s so important that your settlement meets all your needs. For guidance and support, contact us today for a free consultation.
What is Your Personal Injury Settlement Made Up Of?
No matter what type of accident you’ve been in, injuries often come with significant costs and challenges. These injuries open the door to your legal options, whether that be filing an insurance claim or a lawsuit. The goal is to recover “damages” that make up your settlement.
Your damages are specific to your accident, injuries, and losses, but they usually include:
- Medical expenses – This makes up the bulk of your personal injury settlement, covering costs for treatment, hospital stays, therapy, and any ongoing care.
- Lost income – This covers any income lost due to the injury, including future earnings if you can’t work anymore or are forced to take a job where you earn less.
- Property damage – These damages are meant to cover the repair or replacement cost of any damaged property, such as your car or personal belongings.
- Pain and suffering – This is meant to address the physical pain and discomfort caused by your injuries.
- Emotional distress – Similarly, this covers psychological trauma, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD, related to the accident.
- Reduced quality of life – This category of damages is for the impact on your ability to enjoy hobbies, activities, or everyday life.
These damages form the foundation of your settlement. How well you present your case will influence the amount you recover. That’s where our team can step in and help.
How Can You Be Sure Your Settlement Covers Everything?
Accepting a settlement is a big step, and it’s crucial to make sure it fully meets your needs before you sign. Once you agree to the settlement terms, the insurance company issues the payment, which we process and pass along to you—usually within three to four weeks. But how can you be certain the settlement is enough to cover all your expenses and losses?
At Maison Law, we take a proactive approach to make sure your settlement provides everything you need. From the start, we carefully guide your case by:
- Investigating the accident – We’ll dig into the details to determine who or what entity is responsible for causing the accident. This includes reviewing police reports, analyzing evidence, and even consulting with experts if necessary.
- Collecting evidence and medical records – We’ll help you gather critical documents like medical records, bills, photos of the accident scene, and witness statements to build a strong case.
- Negotiating with insurance companies – Insurance reps are trained to save their company money, but we’re here to make sure they don’t shortchange you. We negotiate strongly from the start to get you a fair settlement. If the insurance company won’t give you a fair settlement, we’ll file a lawsuit and take them to court.
Every case is different, and we treat it that way. We customize our approach to fit your needs, whether that means negotiating a settlement or preparing for trial. Having an experienced legal team by your side gives you peace of mind–but there are also steps you can take to help your case.
How Can You Strengthen Your Personal Injury Claim?
Protecting and strengthening your claim starts with the right actions immediately after the accident. Here’s what you should do:
- Stay calm – Take deep breaths and try to collect yourself. Look over yourself and others for any injuries. If you’re hurt, call 911 immediately for an ambulance.
- Report the accident – Also, call local law enforcement or authorities and wait for them to arrive to document the incident.
- Gather details – Collect important information, including the accident location, time, vehicle or product details, and contact information for everyone involved.
- Document the scene – Take pictures or videos of your injuries, property damage, and the accident site. Avoid repairing or replacing damaged personal items until after documentation.
- Follow medical advice – Stick to your doctor’s recommendations and attend all follow-up appointments. Missing treatments could hurt your recovery and weaken your claim.
Every situation is different, so not every step may apply. However, these actions can help protect your health, support your claim, and increase the likelihood of a strong settlement. Putting everything together, our team can make sure you get a settlement that meets your needs. Contact us today for a free consultation.
