What Can I Do To Maximize My Car Accident Settlement?

Maximizing Your Car Accident Settlement

After a car accident, you may decide to file a claim to earn compensation for your damages. Financial compensation can help you pay for medical bills, therapy, and lost wages. If you sustained serious injuries from an accident someone else caused, you may be entitled to a large settlement amount.

However, the at-fault party’s insurance company will likely offer you a low settlement so they don’t have to pay you a large sum. To combat this, you can follow several steps and tips to maximize your car accident settlement. For example, you can work with an experienced lawyer so they can strengthen your case and represent you in court.

Follow these tips to get the most out of your car accident claim.

How To Maximize Your Car Accident Settlement

Here are ten steps to maximize your car accident settlement:

1. Gather Evidence from the Accident

Evidence is one of the best ways to prove the other driver was responsible for the accident and your injuries. If you’re able to, take pictures of the incident, including injuries, property damage, and the scene of the accident. It’s also helpful to get contact information from witnesses.

2. File a Police Report

Make sure the police come to the scene of the accident and file a police report. A police report can be a useful piece of evidence to support your side of the story. Once the police arrive, be sure to ask them for the accident report number. You can use this information to receive a copy of the report later on.

3. Seek Medical Attention

After the accident, seek medical attention. Even if you don’t feel hurt, a doctor can tell you if you have any unseen injuries. Tell the doctor about any pain you have, and follow their treatment orders. Having medical records on hand can help strengthen your case.

4. Record Your Pain and Suffering

Another tip is to record your pain and suffering. In detail, write down the details of the accident. Discuss exactly what happened and list the injuries you received. Keep updating your document and write about the impact the accident has had on you, including any types of emotional, mental, and physical suffering.

5. Don’t Wait To File a Claim

Each state has a statute of limitations. This is the time you have to file a claim after your accident. In Texas, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of your accident. Legal proceedings can take a long time, so make sure you file your claim before it’s too late.

6. Don’t Talk to the Insurance Company

The at-fault party’s insurance company will try and contact you after the accident. They call you so they can make you admit partial or full fault for the accident. If you take responsibility for the accident, you’ll receive little to no compensation. Remember, you’re not required to speak to them.

7. Don’t Accept the First Settlement Offer

You may be tempted to accept the insurance company’s first settlement offer, but you should avoid doing this. The first offer is usually low, and an attorney can help you negotiate a higher settlement amount. You can even deny the second or third offer to see if you can increase your compensation.

8. Estimate Future Damages

After an accident, you’re typically focused on your current pain and suffering, but don’t forget to estimate your future damages. For example, if you sustained permanent injuries, think of how that will negatively affect your life. Recording future medical bills, lost wages, and other damages can help you improve your claim.

9. Be Careful on Social Media

Be careful with what you post on social media following your accident. While it may be tempting to talk about the accident online, the other driver’s insurance company can use what you say on social media against you. For example, if your social media shows a different story from your claims, you may receive a lower settlement amount.

10. Call a Personal Injury Lawyer

Finally, call a personal injury lawyer as soon as you can after your accident. A car accident attorney will help you file a claim, and they’ll help you earn the highest possible amount of compensation. They can compile evidence, give you legal advice, and represent you in court.

An Arlington Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

If you follow these steps, you’ll have a greater chance of earning maximum compensation for your personal injury claim. You don’t have to settle for the other insurance company’s low offer. You deserve fair compensation so you can recover from your injuries without worrying about medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

At Allbee Law Firm, our car accident lawyers can help clients in Arlington, TX, with their claims. Our top priority is to win the maximum amount of compensation for you. We’ll fight by your side to ensure you receive justice for your case.

If you need help maximizing your car accident settlement, call a personal injury lawyer at Allbee Law Firm to schedule your free consultation.