9 Ways to Get More Money from a Car Accident Settlement

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Maximize your car accident settlement by seeking immediate medical treatment, following all doctor recommendations, documenting everything including photos and receipts, avoiding early settlement offers, calculating future medical costs and lost wages, hiring an experienced attorney, being patient with the process, avoiding social media posts, and demonstrating the accident's impact on daily life.

If you’ve been involved in a car accident, you may have incurred many expenses and damages related to the collision. Car accident damages frequently include medical expenses, lost wages, emotional trauma, and property damage.

Even if you have auto and health insurance coverage, accident and injury expenses can quickly add up, especially if you are unable to work due to your accident, making it difficult to make ends meet. Read on to find nine ways you can recover the most compensation possible after a car accident.

What Should I Do Immediately After an Accident?

From the moment you’re involved in an auto accident, there are several steps you should take to help maximize the amount of money you can obtain in a financial recovery. Immediately after the accident, it’s important to keep these nine things in mind.

1. Document the Accident Scene

Document the accident scene by taking numerous pictures and videos of the accident scene, including the damage to both vehicles, weather conditions, terrain, and the injuries you have sustained.

2. Collect Witness Information

Gather contact information from any bystanders who may have witnessed the accident. These witnesses could prove to be invaluable should your claim be disputed.

3. Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Seek medical treatment immediately. Insurance providers often refuse to pay a claim if a medical professional has not evaluated the claimant.

4. Avoid Speaking With the Other Driver’s Insurance Company

Do not speak with the other party’s insurance company without consulting an experienced auto accident attorney who can inform you of your legal rights and act as your advocate with the insurance company.

5. Do Not Give a Recorded Statement

Do not consent to make a recorded statement. Often an insurance adjuster will ask to make a recorded statement detailing the facts of the accident. However, the insurance company has the legal right to use your statement against you to deny or pay you less than your claim is worth.

6. Do Not Accept a Quick Settlement Offer

Do not accept a quick settlement from the insurer without consulting a knowledgeable attorney. A quick settlement may seem tempting, especially if you are unable to work, but they rarely consider your future needs and the settlement amount could be a fraction of what an experienced car accident attorney can get for you.

7. Stay Off Social Media

Do not make any posts on social media that are even remotely related to your case. For example, posting pictures of yourself doing strenuous physical activity when you have claimed to have injured your back can have an adverse effect on your claim.

9. Keep an Injury Journal

Keep a detailed daily journal regarding your injuries. Details can include any pain or discomfort you are experiencing and a record of your trips to various doctors. Such a record can prove invaluable as often it can take a significant amount of time for a claim to make its way through the legal process should it need to be litigated.

10. Hire an Experienced Auto Accident Attorney

Hire an experienced auto accident attorney to thoroughly examine and investigate your case and act as your legal advocate throughout the legal process.

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How Can a Personal Injury Attorney Help Me Receive Maximum Compensation?

Studies have shown that people who hire personal injury attorneys generally receive much more money in settlements than those who do not obtain legal representation.

A knowledgeable personal injury attorney understands the complex claims process inside and out and can assist you with filling out the necessary paperwork and advise you of your legal options.

Additionally, an experienced injury attorney can build and strengthen your case by reviewing medical records, accident reports, and witness testimony. Finally, a skilled accident lawyer can negotiate with the other party’s insurance company to get you the most compensation possible for your injuries.

For more details about how RTRLAW can help, contact us for a free, no-obligation case review with a qualified legal team member today.