How to Maximize Your Settlement With Auto Accident Lawyers
Car accident injuries can have long-term effects on your life. Your pain and suffering compensation should reflect this.
Insurance companies will pressure you to settle your case quickly and for less than it’s worth. This can only be combated by an experienced lawyer.
An attorney will help increase your settlement in several ways.
Take Photos
When it comes to a car accident, evidence is critical. It can help your auto accident lawyers negotiate with insurance companies, and it will be crucial in a court of law if your case goes to trial.
Start by taking photos of the accident scene as soon as possible. Include the condition of the vehicles, skid marks, road signs, and other relevant information. Also, talk to eyewitnesses and write down their names and contact information. If they work for a company, also write down their employer information.
You should also take photos of your vehicle’s damage, including close-ups and from different angles. Your insurance company will need this to calculate your economic damages, such as repair costs and lost wages.
Hire a Lawyer
Car accidents can be very traumatic for people involved, especially when they have injuries. The priority is to ensure everyone’s safety and that the emergency services have arrived as needed. If it is safe, try to take photos of the accident scene as soon as possible.
This will help preserve evidence supporting your case later on, if necessary. It is also essential to take pictures of official documents like the other driver’s insurance information, driver’s license, and state inspection sticker. These details may seem insignificant at the time, but they can become vital evidence when determining liability for your crash. Accident reconstruction professionals use them to identify what happened and who was at fault.
Keep a Journal
Your attorney can help you keep a detailed journal of your accident, injuries, and symptoms. A journal will document your medical treatments and records, any work you missed because of your injuries, as well as your pain and suffering.
A pain diary will describe your symptoms and how they affect your life, such as taking medication for your injuries, having trouble sleeping, missing special events like weddings and funerals, etc. This will help your lawyer understand how much your injuries impact you and help you get a higher settlement.
Be aware that your diary may be “discoverable” by the opposing counsel or a judge if your case goes to trial. Therefore, it is best to be discreet and avoid writing anything you don’t want your opponent to see.
Don’t Give Up
When an insurance company makes a settlement offer, it is almost always worth less than your case. During your car accident injury claim, an experienced lawyer will calculate the fair dollar value of all your past, present, and future losses.
They will account for your medical expenses and bills, loss of earning potential, pain, and suffering, and more. They will negotiate with the insurance company to get a fair settlement using this information.
Whether the insurance adjuster accepts your counteroffer or not, it is essential to stick with your attorney. If you give in to the pressure of getting a lowball settlement, you could be leaving money on the table that you will need to cover future losses.
Gather Evidence
Insurance companies always try to get victims to settle for less than their claim is worth. Getting a skilled car accident lawyer to negotiate with them on your behalf can make the process easier.
It is also essential to document everything that happened. Take pictures of the crash scene, your injuries, and the damage done to your vehicle. Make sure to include photos of your license plate and any witnesses.
When negotiating with an insurance provider, you should keep records of your medical treatment, expenses, any times you were unable to work due to your injuries, and any other losses you have incurred. These documents can help prove that the insurance company offers you a fair settlement. The more evidence you have, the more persuasive your argument will be.
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