If you’ve been injured in an accident in New Hampshire, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills and other damages. But getting a personal injury settlement that accounts for the full scope of your injury’s impact on your life takes more than proving you were hurt. Your recovery depends on the strength of your documentation and the experience of your legal team.
At Shaheen & Gordon, our New Hampshire personal injury attorneys have decades of experience helping injured individuals build strong cases and recover the compensation they need to move forward. Below, we explain what affects your settlement amount and how you can improve your chances of a full and fair financial recovery.
Understanding what affects your settlement amount
A few things can play a role in how much money you might recover in your injury case:
- Severity of injuries: More serious injuries often mean higher medical bills and greater pain and suffering.
- Quality of evidence: Strong documentation, like medical records, videos, witness testimony, photos, and police reports, helps prove fault and damages.
- Insurance coverage: The at-fault party’s policy limits may cap your compensation, though other sources may be available.
- Timely action: Delays in treatment or inconsistent reporting can hurt your case and reduce your settlement.
How does documentation affect your personal injury settlement?
Solid documentation supports every part of your personal injury case. You’ll want to collect and organize these documents:
- Medical records that show your diagnosis, treatment timeline, and prognosis.
- Receipts, invoices, and bills for your medical treatment and other related expenses.
- Pay stubs showing time off work and lost wages.
- Damage estimates or repair bills, especially after a car accident.
- Photos of injuries, damaged property, and the accident scene.
- A journal that documents your pain and suffering and your recovery progress.
These documents can make it easier to connect your injuries to the incident and help justify the amount you’re seeking in your personal injury settlement.
Common mistakes that can reduce your settlement
Certain actions (or inaction) can lower the value of your settlement. One common mistake is delaying your medical treatment. Waiting too long can give the impression that your injuries aren’t serious, even if they are. It can also create gaps in your medical timeline that insurance companies can use against you.
Another issue can be posting on social media. Even innocent updates can be misinterpreted and used to dispute your pain or physical limitations. It’s better to avoid posting about your accident or recovery at all.
Not following your doctor’s instructions can cause issues with your claim. If you miss appointments or stop treatment early, the insurance company might argue that your injuries are insignificant. Keep going to your appointments and stick with any therapy or care your doctor recommends so your recovery stays on track.
Be careful when dealing with insurance adjusters. After an accident, the insurance company may contact you for a recorded statement or ask you to sign a release. You do not have to talk to them. These interactions can be used to lower your settlement offer, so talk to your lawyer before you tell them anything. The offer made by the insurer can be unreasonably low, especially if you haven’t taken steps to maximize your personal injury settlement from the start.
Why timing matters in a personal injury case
Acting quickly after an injury is important. In New Hampshire, you usually have three years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury claim. If you wait too long, you could lose the chance to recover money for your injuries. That said, you should take the time you need to focus on healing. Your attorney can help keep your claim on track while you rest and recover.
Acting quickly can also help protect important evidence. Skid marks fade, debris gets cleaned up, witnesses forget what they saw, and videos can be erased. Connecting with a personal injury attorney early makes it easier to gather the information you need to build a strong claim.
What role does a personal injury lawyer play in maximizing your settlement?
Working with an attorney can significantly improve your chances of receiving full and fair compensation. Personal injury lawyers can help you understand your rights, guide you through the legal process, help you gather key evidence, and negotiate directly with insurance companies.
Your lawyer will look closely at how the injury has affected your life and your finances. They can total up medical bills, lost wages, and the pain you are dealing with. They also help plan for future care you may need and how the injury could affect your ability to work.
In some cases, your attorney may work with medical providers and accident reconstructionists to support your claim to help make sure you don’t accept a low settlement offer out of frustration or pressure.
Talk with the team at Shaheen & Gordon about your next steps
If you’ve been injured in an accident and want to know how to maximize your personal injury settlement, our team at Shaheen & Gordon is here to help. With decades of experience representing people across New Hampshire, we’re committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve. Call (800) 451-1002 or request a free consultation online. We’ll help you move forward with confidence.
