Top 5 Tips for Maximizing Your Car Accident Settlement
Car accident costs for Americans reached over $75 billion in 2017. During those accidents, 3 million people received nonfatal injuries. Their injuries could heal in weeks or leave accident victims disabled for life.
Are you one of the unfortunate people suffering after an accident? Don’t take on the burden of paying your healthcare and car repair bills alone. A car accident settlement will cover some, if not all your post-accident costs.
To ensure all your bills get paid, aim for the highest settlement possible. Use this guide to plan everything you need to get your life on track after a car accident.
- Document Everything for Your Car Accident Claim
In the US, most states demand proof of fault to proceed with a car accident settlement. The burden falls on you, the victim, to produce trustworthy evidence.
Things to document after an accident:
- Photograph the location
- Take detailed photographs of the cars
- Photograph your injuries
- Gather witness contact information
- Get a copy of the police report
Over time some evidence gets lost, or people misremember the accident. Physical proof gathered the day of the accident boosts your chance of a high settlement.
- Seek Medical Treatment As Soon As Possible
Without proof of your injuries, insurance companies will deny your claim. Photos taken on-scene do help, but they don’t confirm the injuries.
Visit a doctor or take a trip to the hospital on the day of the accident. Make sure the medical staff knows what happened so they can document everything. Any gaps in your medical records leave loopholes for insurance to deny the claim.
- Hire a Knowledgeable Car Accident Lawyer
Insurance companies try everything to avoid paying a car accident settlement. They intentionally make the claim process difficult for you. A car accident attorney knows all the tricks companies use to cheat accident victims.
One tactic they use involves forcing a statement from the victim. They then take the statement and use it against you later on.
Always speak to the insurance company through your lawyer to avoid this problem. Let them be your auto accident insurance settlement guide.
- Be Careful What You Say About Your Auto Accident Claim
Social media allows you to share your ups and down with the world. It’s also a source of evidence for the insurance company. Until your car accident settlement is done, don’t mention the accident online.
Company lawyers may think you’re lying and look through your profiles for proof. They’ll take any innocent picture and use it to show that you’re lying about injuries.
- Practice Patience With the Auto Accident Settlement Process
Insurance companies prey on your desperation for a settlement. It might look like they’re negotiating, but they’re probably giving the lowest offer.
How low can the offer go if you rush the claim process? Sometimes the insurance company offers 10% of the case’s value. 10% won’t pay your medical bills or car repair costs.
Don’t Accept an Unfair Car Accident Settlement
An auto accident can disable you for life and rob you of your livelihood. With a large car accident settlement, you won’t worry as much about money.
To get what you deserve, use this guide to create a solid insurance claim. Remember to act fast to preserve evidence for the settlement.
Looking for advice about personal injury claims? Search our blog to find helpful articles.
