Have you gotten involved in a car accident recently? If your answer is a ‘yes’, indeed, the whole ordeal can be earth-shattering and soul-shaking. Nonetheless, you can get out of the situation on top by going into a settlement with the erring party/ies’ insurance company.
Going into a settlement is an ideal option for you so that you can immediately get a fair settlement amount that’ll cover your accident-related expenses and avoid the protracted legal process.
Nonetheless, it’s advised that you don’t go forward with car accident settlement without making any preparations, including equipping yourself with the top strategies to get the most out of your settlement.
This post’s aim is to help you maximize your car accident settlement amount. The following strategies, including looking for a trusted car accident lawyer, will cover the aforementioned topic and other helpful insights. Read on to learn more.
1. Gather All Relevant Pieces Of Evidence Immediately (If Possible)
After getting involved in a car accident, the most ideal step you need to take first is to gather all of the available evidence at the accident area.
If you’re able to do so, whip out your phone and capture clear videos and photos of the accident area and your car, the injuries you’ve incurred, and many more.
If there are witnesses present, ask for their contact details. Once the local law enforcers have reached the scene of the accident, approach them and ask them to forward you a copy of the local police’s incident report.
Why go through the effort of gathering pieces of evidence yourself and not just solely rely on the authorities? It’s because having a highly accurate set of documents and files that support your version of the car accident can bolster your case.
As a reminder, keep in mind the following tips. First, ensure that the photos you took include wide shot angles of the entire accident scene, close-up shots, and many more. Next, witness statements can provide additional support, hence, it’s best if you can ask them to give you a sworn statement of their eyewitness testimony.
2. Seek Medical Attention Immediately Even Though You Look Unscathed
Even if you feel or look fine after you’ve gotten involved in a car accident, it’s important to seek medical attention right away.
Why? It’s because there are bodily injuries that may immediately manifest themselves. You may end up suffering with a much bigger medical problem than you’ve expected. Additionally, having a doctor document your injuries and state of health is crucial for strengthening your settlement claim.
Aside from that, timely medical attention not only ensures your health and safety but creates an immediate record linking your injuries to the accident as well.
As a reminder, always follow up with any recommended treatments or health specialists, and keep all medical-related documentation secured and ready. This will help demonstrate the severity and ongoing impact of your injuries as well as significantly impacting the possible settlement amount you can receive.
3. Never Go With The Initial Car Accident Settlement Offer
Bear in mind the following: the initial offer is always the other party’s lowball offer. Never accept the first settlement offer presented to you without carefully looking through the fine print.
When entering into a settlement, it’s recommended that you hire a car accident settlement lawyer that can fight for your best interests. Primarily, your lawyer will look into your case, weigh in all the factors present, and so on to come up with a fair settlement amount.
Aside from that, your lawyer will go through the offer and review it, compare the offer to the actual expenses you’ve incurred and other settlement amounts, and many more.
Moving forward, you and your attorney can consider the initial as a jumping point for further negotiations. Respectfully decline the initial car accident settlement offer, with the advice of your lawyer, and ask for further discussions to increase the amount they’re offering and other forms of restitution.
4. Be Mindful Of What You Say And/Or Share Online
During the settlement process, be mindful of what you say or share online.
Be straight the point when being asked by the other party and their insurance company and/or adjuster. Never open up details about the accident and/or your personal accounts regarding the incident without the guidance of your legal counsel. Aside from that, be careful of what you share or post on your social media accounts.
Remember, anything that you say and/or share may be used against you and hurt your chances of getting the settlement amount that you deserve.
5. Account For Your Pain And Suffering As Well As Future Expenses If You’re Still Undergoing Medical Treatment
Pain and suffering can be a significant part of your settlement. Keep a journal detailing how the accident and your injuries have affected your daily life. Include details about physical pain, emotional distress, and any limitations you experience. This documentation can help substantiate your claim for non-economic damages.
Your journal should include specific examples of how your injuries have impacted your ability to work, perform daily activities, and enjoy life. Document any changes in your emotional state, such as anxiety, depression, or sleep disturbances. This can help paint a comprehensive picture of the accident’s impact on your life.
Aside from those, you need to consider future damages. This includes ongoing medical treatment, future lost wages, and any long-term effects of your injuries. A comprehensive settlement should account for both current and future expenses to ensure you’re fully compensated.
To Conclude
Maximizing your vehicular accident settlement involves thorough preparation and strategic action. By gathering all available evidence, seeking medical attention, and so on, you can significantly increase your settlement amount. Remember to always consult with a personal injury lawyer to navigate the complexities of the legal process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Be patient dear reader because you’ve got this!
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