What Is Maximum Medical Improvement?
If you were seriously injured in a car accident and you intend to file a car insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit, it is important that you understand the concept of maximum medical improvement (MMI) and how it might affect your case. MMI refers to a state when you have either recovered fully or that additional improvement is unlikely. It is important that you reach MMI before agreeing to a settlement so you don’t wind up accepting a payout that’s too low to cover your medical bills and other damages.
Insurance adjusters often try to negotiate for a settlement before the claimant has reached MMI, but it is in your best interest to wait until you know the full extent of any injuries before agreeing to a final compensation amount. If you sign a settlement release, you will waive your right to seek any additional compensation if your injuries turn out to be more severe than anticipated.
Pressuring a car accident victim to accept an early settlement is just one of many tactics used by insurance companies to minimize payouts. You might also be asked to make a recorded statement, which you should never do under any circumstances without proper preparation and advice from an experienced attorney. These statements will only be used to reduce your payout or deny your claim.
The car accident lawyers at Englander Peebles can help you navigate the claims process and avoid costly oversights. We are compassionate with our clients but will aggressively advocate on your behalf against insurance companies and opposing parties. Contact 954-500-4878 for a free consultation.
How Do You Know When You Have Reached MMI?
Maximum medical improvement is considered to be an official diagnosis in personal injury cases. A doctor will attempt to determine if you have reached MMI by reviewing your medical records, administering diagnostic tests, and examining any physical injuries.
Although you should wait until reaching maximum medical improvement to settle your claim, you do not have to wait to hire an experienced personal injury lawyer. It is very important that you consult a personal injury attorney as soon as possible because over time, important evidence may disappear or become unavailable. Also, there are steps you must take to give your claim the most favorable chance of success. For example, it is crucial that you attend all doctor’s visits, follow your doctor’s prescribed treatments exactly, meet important deadlines, and refrain from discussing your case on social media.
Contact A Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Attorney Today
The Broward County injury lawyers at Englander Peebles will guide you through the claims process from start to finish and help you avoid costly mistakes. Our attorneys have the knowledge and experience to calculate your damages and determine when it’s time to settle. If we are unable to recover a fair settlement on your behalf, we are not afraid to take your case to trial. Call 954-500-4878 today for a free consultation.