Even the best or most diligent safety precautions can’t prevent unfortunate accidents from happening to your property. If you or someone you know has been a victim of an accident but is struggling to get their due compensation from the guilty party, here are a few things you can do to make sure those individuals are held responsible.
Build Your Case
According to Jay Sekulow, having full, detailed information to present to a judge is the most important thing you can do to receive all of what you deserve. As soon as possible following the accident, write down everything you can remember about the situation. Exact times of day, environmental factors, license plate numbers or descriptions of the people involved and the things they used (like automobiles, tools or weapons, etc)—anything that can paint a complete and accurate picture of the event will be your best resource for legal dealings. Collect evidence or witnesses that will corroborate your timeline and the details you make note of. Once this full story has been created, research the legal responsibilities of you as the victim and of the guilty party.
Discuss Your Options With a Lawyer
A lawyer may be necessary (or at the very least, helpful!) to this research and understanding of research that is required for your case to come to fruition. Counsel with a lawyer on your rights, the rights of the guilty person or persons, and the steps it will take for you to receive the settlement you deserve. According to Rogers Beltran, you may not even be aware of the amount of or variety of elements that qualify you for a settlement! You may be able to collect compensation for lost income, pain and suffering, and more. Without the help of educated and trained professionals that know what to look for and how to get the most out of a case, you may be shortchanged in the actual value of your accident payoff.
Act Immediately
Don’t wait around for things to be taken care of. According to Nolo, accident cases require persistence. In addition to collecting the data and details of the event, collect the guilty party’s information if at all possible. This is the best way for you and them to eventually reach the best deal. Remaining calm while asking for their information ensures a better chance of cooperation from that party, and your endurance in making sure the case is not tabled and forgotten will grant you your compensation in a timely and efficient manner.
If you have the misfortune of being the victim in an accident of any kind, make sure that guilty party is held accountable and that you receive the compensation you deserve. Be persistent, thorough, and patient with the guilty party, and you will receive the best outcome.
Read this next: How to Get Insurance Companies to Pay for Long-Term Care