Should you suffer injuries from a car accident, it's essential to know how to get the most value out of your claim. After all, you shouldn't have to pay out of pocket for medical bills and lost wages for an accident you didn't cause. It's well within your rights to seek compensation from the responsible party. Want to know how you can maximize your car accident insurance claim? Follow these five tips to find out how!
#1. Preserve and Document All Evidence
This is number one for a reason because it's crucial to gather as much hard evidence as possible. Ultimately, the jury will decide your case by looking at the evidence. As such, you want to make sure that you do your best to document everything.
That means getting your smartphone out to take plenty of pictures. Be sure to take photos of each vehicle while paying particular attention to the damaged areas. If you have any visible injuries, take clear pictures of them as well. Not only that, but you should also grab a copy of the police report. It may contain valuable information that can help your case.
It doesn't stop there, though! You also need to get the name, insurance information, and contact information of everyone involved. Finally, keep detailed records of any expenses related to your accident. That includes medical bills, lost wages from work, and any property damage.
#2. Seek Medical Treatment Immediately
If you want to establish credibility for your injuries, then you need to seek medical care ASAP. If you wait too long, the defense may argue that your injuries aren't that severe. Doctors and healthcare workers can also document your injuries for further evidence.
Also, you should carefully follow any treatment plan put forth by your doctors. It's all about establishing as much credibility as possible for your injuries. If you can show that you had to undergo physical therapy or treatment for PTSD, it can add value to your claim.
#3. Contact an Expert Attorney
The best way to ensure your success is to have an experienced attorney by your side. Trying to represent yourself is not a good idea. Car accident victims represented by attorneys receive far higher settlements than those without one. If you're serious about maximizing your claim, a seasoned attorney is crucial.
#4. Include Future Damages
A car accident can have lasting detrimental effects on your body. That's why it's crucial to include future damages as part of your claim. Be sure to consult with your doctors and attorney on possible future complications. That way, you'll have adequate funds for any medical bills that pop up down the line as a result of the accident.
#5. Be Patient
When presented with your first settlement offer, it can be easy to want to accept it right away. After all, you're injured and want to start the recovery process. However, you want to be as patient as possible here. To maximize the value of compensation, sometimes that involves rejecting the first offer. Be sure to work closely with your attorney in determining which offer to accept.
As long as you follow these expert tips, you'll significantly increase the value of your claim. If you ever find yourself filing a personal injury claim, refer to this page!