Running is a lot of people’s exercise of choice. The best thing about running is that other than running shoes, you don’t need any special equipment. You can run just about anywhere too, meaning that you don’t have to pay for any gym subscriptions.
However, because running involves spending a lot of time outdoors, runners are naturally always at risk of being injured. If you are a runner who has been injured by another person, then you may be able to file a lawsuit.
This article will offer a few tips for filing a personal injury lawsuit.
Identify Culprit
The first thing that you need to do if you intend on filing a lawsuit is to identify the person responsible for causing your injury. Filing a claim against a city or municipality after suffering an injury is also possible. Many runners file claims against cities or municipalities, the main reason being that these authorities neglect to look after city streets and allow them to fall into disrepair. Because runners are actively outside running around, if the streets aren’t taken care of then they can become dangerous. Claiming compensation from the city is a relatively straightforward process. If you were injured by an actual person, however, then you need to get their name and contact information.
Acquire Evidence
The next step if you want to make a claim for compensation is to acquire evidence. Unfortunately, this is the step that’s most commonly overlooked by people who are interested in making a claim for compensation. Very few people at the scene of an accident actually think to take a photograph or video of the person who caused the accident. If you are involved in an accident in the future, then make sure that you take an on-the-scene video or photograph of your injuries, the person responsible, and the location of the accident. By taking evidence from the scene you will be able to prove your version of events.
Contact Lawyer
Contacting a lawyer is relatively straightforward. When you are looking for one, make sure that you find one with a high level of experience and a good reputation locally. The best way to determine whether or not a lawyer is worth working with in today’s age is to check out their online reviews. If a lawyer’s online reviews are all good, then it is a strong indication that they are worth working with. Bear in mind that it is possible for companies to buy fake reviews, so if they are all very exaggerated and poorly written, it is an indication that the law firm you are considering has paid for fake reviews.
Medical Certificate
A medical certificate is a piece of evidence that can bolster your case. A lot of people neglect to provide their lawyers with medical certificates when they are making claims for compensation. Unfortunately, once you have left the hospital after your initial visit to have your injuries treated, you can’t get a medical certificate, unless your injuries are very severe and you are later referred to another physician or surgeon. The reason for this is that most ER rooms wipe their records at the end of every shift. Be sure to ask the doctor or nurse seeing you for a written statement, verifying your injuries, how they were caused, and how they will affect you in the future.
Honest Account
When you are first meeting your lawyer, you will be asked to give an account of what happened to you. It is natural to want to exaggerate when you are giving an account of your injuries. However, if you exaggerate then you could have your claim dismissed later when an insurance adjuster begins investigating it. Keep to the facts and if you don’t know the answer to something, don’t try to fill in the gaps with lies or mistruths.
Remain Patient
Lastly, you must remain patient. Lawsuits aren’t resolved in a day. It could take months or even years for you to get the compensation that you deserve. You need to make sure that you don’t badger or pester your lawyer; let them do their job. A lot of people harass their lawyers for updates on a weekly basis; your lawyer will be in touch with you as soon as they have an update for you or information regarding your lawsuit. Remain patient, be polite, and most importantly of all, be respectful and allow your lawyer to do their job.
After an accident that was somebody else’s fault, compensation is most people’s desire. If you want to claim compensation, then you need to make sure that you are honest, prepared, and diligent. Make sure that you don’t compromise on quality—you need to find the best lawyer for the job.