A car accident can impact your life more than you can imagine. It is a traumatic experience that can also leave you with life-altering injuries. If you aren’t at fault, you deserve compensation for anything you must go through after a car accident. Knowing how much a good personal injury lawyer can get you is the first step.
One of the key tools to help you is a settlement calculator. This will give you an idea of what you deserve for compensation. After knowing your number, it’s a matter of taking steps to ensure that you get it. In this article, we will go over the steps you need to take to get all of the compensation you deserve.
1. Report the Accident Right Away
The scene of an accident can be chaotic and confusing. It’s easy for things to go unnoticed. This is why it’s so important to report the accident right away. Even if it seems like there are no injuries, call the police so they can come and make a police report.
The police report is going to be the biggest piece of the puzzle when insurance companies and possibly the courts need to reconstruct what happened for the accident to occur. This will be a piece of evidence that will help you get the damages you are entitled to.
At the scene, make sure to talk to witnesses so their side of the story can verify your claim. Make sure to get their contact information so the police or lawyer can follow up with them. This testimony will be a powerful piece of evidence in your case.
Also, get seen by a doctor or EMT right away even if it doesn’t seem like you’re injured. Injuries from a car accident can show up later after your adrenaline has worn off. If you get seen too late, it could put your claim in jeopardy.
2. Call the Insurance Company
Unfortunately, the insurance companies are going to be in control of how things go after the accident. Most insurance companies will want to minimize the payout to you or even try to deny your claim completely. Navigating this scenario is a bit tricky.
You’re going to be talking to insurance adjusters. It’s important to make sure that you are clear, concise, and accurate with your portrayal of the events leading up to the accident. Stick to the facts of the accident and avoid giving opinions or unnecessary details.
Have all of your medical documentation ready to substantiate your claim but don’t give them too many details. They might downplay the severity of your injuries or argue that some of your medical treatments were unnecessary.
Have your insurance company be a mediator between you and the other driver’s company since they understand how to handle these situations. However, be prepared to make a statement about what happened and your injuries at some point in the negotiations.
3. Negotiate a Fair Settlement
One of the most difficult phases in getting compensation is the negotiation of the settlement. You’ll need to have all of your documentation handy. The foundation of your case will be your presentation of all of the damages you incurred as a result of the accident.
When you’re ready to negotiate, start by presenting your case clearly and firmly. Go through all of the expenses, the lost wages, and any other damages you are entitled to.
If the insurance company’s offer is too low, which is often the case, you should make a counteroffer. Make sure the counter offer is reasonable though. You want to get as much as possible, but operating in good faith will ensure you get a fair settlement. Asking for above and beyond what could normally be expected could hurt your case.
It may take several rounds of offers and counteroffers to reach an agreement. Throughout this process, stay focused on your goal, and don’t rush into accepting a settlement that doesn’t fairly cover your losses.
4. Avoid This Common Mistake
A common mistake is saying too much or providing statements without thinking it through. It’s important to be cautious about what you share and to avoid making any statements that could be interpreted as admitting fault or downplaying your injuries.
Conclusion
Trying to deal with a car accident settlement is not always straightforward and simple. With the right approach, you can make sure that you get the settlement that you deserve and will make you whole once again.
Also read: I Hit a Parked Car – What Happens Next?
