Did you recently sustain injuries in an auto accident and want to learn more about how to maximize your car accident settlement? Most auto insurance adjusters try to offer clients settlements that are well below what they deserve to save their employer money.
If you’re currently in this predicament, you deserve to know how to get the compensation you deserve for your auto accident. Please continue reading below to learn more about how to maximize your compensation and who you can contact for more information.
1. Gather as Much Evidence as Possible
To maximize compensation, you want to gather as much evidence from the accident as possible. This includes any surveillance of what happened in the accident, photos of the damages, and any witness statements.
The auto insurance company won’t pay out for your injuries or property damage unless they accept liability for the accident. Even if they do accept liability, some adjusters may try to argue that their insured is not completely at fault for the accident.
In these cases, the adjuster may place partial blame on you, diminishing the value of your claim. Make sure you gather as much evidence as possible to prove your side of what happened in the accident.
2. Seek Medical Treatment
If you sustained injuries in an auto accident, be sure to seek treatment. Even if you are unsure of the extent of your injuries, make sure you at least see your doctor for a check-up. If your doctor recommends a treatment plan, be sure to follow it. You also want to keep copies of your medical receipts for reimbursement.
3. Don’t Accept the First Car Accident Settlement
If the at-fault driver’s insurance company accepts liability for your claim and you have injuries, the adjuster will present you with a settlement offer. It is imperative that you refrain from accepting the first offer provided to you, even if the adjuster makes it seem like they aren’t going to offer you more.
There is always room for negotiations. If you are unsure if the offer is what you deserve, you can speak with a car accident attorney about the offer. You have the right to receive financial compensation that is fair, but some auto insurance adjusters try to provide victims with less than what they deserve so they can save their employer money.
4. Consider Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer
If you want to receive the most compensation for your claim, you may want to speak with an attorney. Personal injury lawyers are well-versed in auto accident laws and have experience negotiating settlements for their clients. You can claim several types of damages in an auto accident beyond medical payments and property damage repairs.
Additional compensation you may be entitled to:
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Rehabilitation cost
- Future medical expenses
It is important to note that this list is not inclusive, and each claim is different. Depending on the facts of your case, you may be able to claim more than someone else.
It is best to speak with an attorney to learn more about your legal options. Most car accident lawyers provide their clients with free no-obligation case evaluations, where you can learn about your legal options before you sign a contract with an attorney.
5. Consider Future Damages
As mentioned above, you may be able to seek compensation for future medical expenses. With that said, it is imperative that you consider any future medical costs or living expenses that you may need to pay for if you have a debilitating injury from the auto accident.
Calculating any future damages isn’t easy on your own. It is best to speak with a lawyer for more information so they can handle calculating your future lost wages or future medical expenses.
6. File Your Claim as Soon as You Can
After a car accident, you may be hurt and unable to create a claim for some time, and that is okay. It is best to reach out to the insurance company to create a claim as soon as possible.
Be cautious of what you tell the other insurance company, especially if they ask you to give them a recorded statement. If you’re considering hiring counsel to handle your auto insurance claim, make sure you speak with your attorney first before you file the claim. Once you retain a lawyer, the insurance company cannot speak with you about your claim at all per your attorney-client contract.
7. Stay off Social Media
Although it may be tempting to let the world know about your auto accident, staying off social media after an accident is best. Auto insurance companies use social media to see what people say about what happened in the accident before they value your settlement.
If you claim that the accident was minor and you post videos of you doing fine, but you claim to have extensive injuries, the auto insurance company may deny your claim. Instead, it is best to stay off social media and allow your attorney to handle your claim if you decide to hire a car accident lawyer.
Get the Compensation You Deserve
It isn’t uncommon for auto insurance adjusters to try to provide victims with a car accident settlement that is less than what they deserve. Although there are ways for you to maximize your compensation on your own, it is best to leave that job to the professionals.
If you’ve suffered injuries in an auto accident and you need help with your car accident settlement, contact us. We are here to answer any questions or concerns you may have about the settlement process.
