Ten Tips for Maximizing Your Car Accident Settlement

By The Husband and Wife Law Team on January 20, 2022

After an injury accident, the amount you are paid in compensation should reflect the cost of medical care, lost wages from work, pain and suffering, and your future wellbeing. You can maximize the amount you recover by ensuring you have the following supporting evidence:

1.    Get the Police Report

After an accident in which injuries occurred, the police will create a report. You have the right to gain access to the report, which may prove to be an important piece of the evidence supporting your claim. After the accident, take note of the name and badge number of law enforcement personnel who come to the scene. The Husband and Wife Law Time will pull your police report free of cost and obligation if you fill out the form on this page.

2.    Get Medical Care Immediately.

Whether you believe you are uninjured or suffered only minor injuries, it is imperative that you get a full medical evaluation after a car accident. When hit by another vehicle, your system is flooded with adrenaline, which suppresses pain. Within a few days you may be in extreme pain, and unable to work or function normally, with internal and external bruising, or worse.

3.    Communicate About Your Injuries, Pain, and Discomfort.

Go to a doctor, or to the ER, and tell the medical personnel that you were in a vehicle accident to ensure it is noted on your chart. Communicate all the details about any pain or discomfort you are experiencing. Note that a closed head injury can be fatal if not treated immediately.

4.    Attend All Medical Appointments as Directed.

Attend all medical appointments as directed. Regular treatments and evaluations of your condition can be a powerful part of the evidence supporting your car accident claim.

5.    Follow all Medical Advice.

Listen to your doctor and follow all medical advice to the letter. If you do not follow medical advice, it could easily reduce the value of your car accident claim.

6.    Keep a Journal of What Happened.

Over time, memories of what occurred can become unclear and fade. Write down every detail of what occurred as soon as possible after the accident and keep a written journal of what you were told by law enforcement, the other driver, eyewitnesses, medical professionals, and all other details. This written journal may prove to be of immense importance in your injury case.

7.    Take Photos.

If possible, take photos immediately after the car accident. Pictures of the damaged vehicles, skid marks, and the scene can be crucial. The responsible driver may accuse you of being responsible, or partially responsible for the accident, and only images tell the truth about what occurred.

8.    Don’t Accept the First Settlement Offer

Insurance companies are in the business of making a profit. The lower the payout, the better for shareholders. Typically, you will be offered an unfairly low settlement, and if you accept it, you can’t go back for more if you are unable to work or are suffering long-term pain due to your injuries.

9.    File an Injury Claim

The other driver’s insurance company will contact you. The agent you speak to will be friendly and may appear to be concerned about you. Rather than having a conversation (which will be recorded), filing an injury claim will help you avoid saying anything that may be used to reduce the value of your settlement.

10. Hire a Car Accident Lawyer

Rather than trying to resolve a car accident claim on your own, hire a car accident lawyer. When your injury claim is managed by a qualified, experienced professional, you can focus on your recovery, with confidence that everything possible will be done to maximize your claim – if you choose the right car accident attorney.

At The Husband and Wife Law Team, your case will be in the hands of true professionals. This is not an “injury mill,” where you may rarely meet or speak to your attorney, but a boutique law firm where the legal team genuinely cares about the people they represent – and who will fight for the maximum possible in a settlement.

Call us today at (602) 457-6222 for a free initial consultation. We represent car accident victims on a contingency fee basis – no legal fees unless we win for you.