The Keys to Maximizing Your Back Injury Claim
Suffering a back injury in an accident, such as a car crash or a fall, is unfortunately common. However, maximizing the value of your back injury claim depends on key elements that can make or break your case. Whether you’ve sustained a soft tissue injury, a bulging or herniated disc, a fracture, or required surgery, these crucial steps apply to all back injury claims.
1. Proving Liability
Why Liability Matters
To succeed in your back injury claim, you must prove that someone else’s actions caused your injury. This is known as establishing liability.
How to Prove Liability
- Your Testimony: In clear-cut cases, such as being rear-ended at a red light, your testimony may be enough to establish fault.
- Evidence Collection: In more complex cases, gather as much evidence as possible, such as:
- Photographs of the accident scene.
- Witness statements.
- Surveillance footage.
- Expert Witnesses: In some cases, accident reconstruction specialists can provide detailed explanations to support your claim.
Key Takeaway: If you can’t prove liability, your claim won’t go anywhere. Collect and preserve evidence to build a strong case.
2. Get Medical Treatment
Why Medical Treatment Is Crucial
Seeking prompt medical care is essential to the value of your claim. A doctor’s diagnosis not only confirms your injury but also establishes a timeline of events connecting the injury to the accident.
Steps to Take
- Seek Immediate Treatment: Don’t delay seeing a doctor, even if your pain seems minor.
- Follow Through with Treatment: Continue treatment for as long as your pain persists or as recommended by your doctor.
Tip: Back injuries like herniated discs or soft tissue damage can worsen over time. Early treatment strengthens your case and helps prevent long-term issues.
3. Get an MRI
The Power of an MRI
An MRI can provide detailed and objective evidence of your injury. Unlike X-rays, which show bone fractures, MRIs reveal injuries like herniated or bulging discs—common in back injury cases.
How an MRI Helps Your Claim
- Proves Severity: Provides a clear picture of the extent of your injury.
- Establishes a Connection: Shows a direct link between the accident and your injury.
- Strengthens Your Case: Insurance companies and juries are more likely to offer higher settlements or awards when presented with clear evidence.
Action Step: If you’ve sustained a back injury, discuss getting an MRI with your doctor to strengthen your claim.
4. Follow Your Doctor’s Orders
Why Compliance Matters
Following your doctor’s recommendations is critical for both your recovery and the success of your claim.
What to Do
- Stick to the Plan: Take prescribed medications, attend physical therapy, and avoid activities your doctor advises against.
- Stay Consistent: Attend all follow-up appointments to show you’re committed to recovery.
Warning: Failure to follow medical advice can harm your claim. Insurance companies may argue that your injury isn’t serious or that you’re not making an effort to recover.
Pro Tip: Avoid social media during your claim. Insurance companies may monitor your activity for evidence contradicting your injury claims.
5. Insurance or Financial Resources
Why Financial Backing Is Essential
The value of your claim often depends on whether the at-fault party has insurance or sufficient financial resources to cover your damages.
Key Scenarios
- Uninsured Driver: If the responsible party lacks insurance, you may need to rely on your own uninsured motorist coverage.
- Judgment-Proof Defendant: If the at-fault party has no assets or insurance, even a legal judgment may not result in compensation.
Tip: Review your insurance policy to understand your coverage, including uninsured/underinsured motorist provisions.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve sustained a back injury, these five keys are crucial to building a strong and successful claim:
- Prove liability.
- Seek immediate medical treatment.
- Get an MRI.
- Follow your doctor’s orders.
- Ensure adequate financial resources or insurance coverage.
Disclaimer: This blog post is not legal advice. Always consult a lawyer regarding your specific situation.
For more tips on maximizing the value of your back injury claim, watch our next video where we reveal five lawyer secrets to boosting your claim. And don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more helpful advice.
If you’ve been injured in Kentucky, remember: Don’t Wait, Call Tate!
