Car accidents are unpleasant. The experience is made even worse by the challenge of trying to get adequate compensation for the damage or injuries sustained. It can be difficult to know how much compensation to seek after an accident.
The average car accident settlement is determined by several factors, such as the severity of your injuries, how much money is lost as a result of missing work, and how much is spent on medical expenses.
Here are a few ways to ensure you receive the maximum settlement possible.
Hire A Car Accident Lawyer
If you hire a lawyer, then you can rest assured that they’ll negotiate professionally on your behalf so that you get the maximum settlement possible. Below are some other benefits of hiring a lawyer.
When it comes to dealing with insurance companies, you need someone who has experience in this field. An experienced lawyer will know how to handle negotiations, from selecting the right evidence to present and representing your side of the situation.
A lawyer will also protect your rights and interests during the entire process. This includes settling claims quickly so that there is no long-term damage done to your credit rating.
They have established relationships with insurers and can file paperwork faster. This ensures that you don’t lose any time waiting for a settlement check from an insurance company. Otherwise, these insurers may take weeks or even months before agreeing on a settlement amount.
Seek Medical Attention
It’s imperative to seek medical attention right after an accident. This is important because if you don’t go to the doctor, they will not know what injuries you have sustained, and they won’t be able to give you treatment. If you wait too long before going to the doctor, you might also not be able to get all of your medical bills paid by your insurance company.
In some states, there are laws requiring that all accidents must be reported within 24 hours (or sometimes, even sooner). If this law applies where you live, then it’s important to report the accident right away so that authorities can start investigating who caused it. From there, a proper settlement of the situation will proceed.
File A Personal Injury Claim On Time
If you wait too long to file your claim, you could miss out on the opportunity to receive maximum compensation for your injuries. This works in conjunction with seeking medical attention immediately after the accident.
The medical evidence of your injuries is important in making the claim valid. Without timely medical evidence, you’ll have no concrete proof for your attorney to prove that you’re hurt during an accident due to another person’s negligence.
Don’t Rely On The Insurance Adjuster
It’s important and smart to remember that the insurance adjuster is not your friend. They’re there to help their client or insurance company retain as much money as possible even if it means withholding information.
Don’t answer questions until you’ve spoken to an attorney. While this may seem like common sense, many people believe they can handle things on their own and often end up regretting that decision later.
Don’t give a recorded statement to the insurance adjuster. Insurance adjusters are trained professionals who know how to get people talking about how their injuries happened and what medical treatment they received. If you give them this information, then it could hurt your chances for financial recovery down the road.
Also, don’t say too much when speaking with witnesses. Witnesses can help prove liability in an accident case, but they may also end up hurting yours.
Record And Preserve All Evidence
The first thing you should do after being in an accident is to keep an ‘accident diary.’ This will help you remember everything that happened during the accident. It’ll also make it easier for police officers and insurance adjusters to understand what happened. Your diary should include information such as where the accident took place, what time it occurred, and what caused it.
If possible, take photos of the scene of the accident before any cleanup or repair is done by any party involved in the incident. This will help identify who was responsible for causing the damage.
If there were any witnesses around at the time of the incident, make sure that they sign their names under your photos so that they can be used as evidence. They’ll prove useful when filing an insurance claim or going through court proceedings.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you’re more likely to receive the maximum settlement possible for your injury or damage. Consulting a lawyer is also advisable in making well-informed decisions during the process.
