When injured victims find themselves dealing with the aftermath of a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, they often face a challenging road ahead. The party responsible, usually the other driver, may not always be willing to accept full liability, while their own insurance company can try to push for an early settlement to pay less.
So, a period of extensive paperwork, tiring negotiations, and complex legal procedures starts. This process can feel especially exhausting when you are trying to heal from injuries and cope with the emotional stress caused by the accident.
One of the most important decisions you can make after a car accident is to work with an experienced attorney. A professional personal injury lawyer knows how to get more money from a car accident settlement. They will manage interactions with the insurance company and fight for the maximum compensation you are entitled to.
The Michael Kelly Injury Lawyers team shares practical steps to maximize your car accident settlement in this article.
- Document Everything
- Seek Medical Attention
- Don’t Take the First Settlement Offer
- Hire an Experienced Car Accident Attorney
- 30-Day, Risk-Free Guarantee
- Promptly File Your Case
- Build and Preserve a Strong Case
- Avoid Discussing the Case with Insurance Companies
- Make a Good Impression in Court
- Contact Our Lawyers to Claim Maximum Car Accident Settlement
- Get a Free Case Evaluation
- 30-Day, Risk-Free Guarantee
Document Everything
Many factors determine the worth of your car accident claim, including immediate medical costs, ongoing treatment needs, lost wages, and even pain and suffering. Keeping records of all aspects of your accident can greatly affect the outcome of your car accident settlement process. So, the first step is to document what occurred during and after the accident while the details are still fresh in your memory. Be sure to record the following information:
- Date and time of the accident
- Exact location
- Weather conditions
- Order of events leading to the collision
- Names and contact information of all parties involved
- Names and contact details of any witnesses
- Photos of visible injuries and damages to all vehicles involved.
In addition, retain all your medical bills, like invoices from emergency room visits, physical therapy sessions, and any prescribed medications, as well as expenses on car repairs. These documents will illustrate the severity of your injuries and the costs of your treatment.
No detail is too small. The more information you gather, the stronger your personal injury case will be.
Seek Medical Attention
If you’re wondering what to do after a car accident, prompt medical care is the right first step, and its main goal is, of course, your well-being. A comprehensive medical evaluation can reveal hidden injuries and help avoid complications.
Even if you feel fine at first, some injuries can become apparent after some time. Furthermore, the fact that you went to the hospital creates a clear connection between the accident and your injuries, which is critical for your claim.
Don’t Take the First Settlement Offer
After an auto accident, you are likely to be contacted by an insurance company. They will present you with a proposal to settle your claim. However, there is an important consideration: this initial offer is frequently way less than what your claim is actually worth.
Insurance companies aim to maximize their profits, so they tend to seek a quick and inexpensive resolution. Their first offer is very unlikely to be a fair settlement.
Some accident victims who don’t know how to get the most out of car accident settlement might be tempted to accept the offer immediately, especially when they are in emotional distress. Yet, you may not fully know how serious your injuries are at that moment.
Incidental expenses, like transportation costs to visit doctors or getting help in tasks you are temporarily unable to do yourself, aren’t also obvious from the beginning. This is why it’s crucial to approach your case from multiple angles and understand the full extent of your losses to ensure you receive the total compensation.
So, take some time and consult with an attorney to assess all the damages, like current and future medical expenses, as these costs can add up quickly. Also, consider lost wages, as you may need time to recover, and how your life could be affected in the long term — severe injuries may affect your working capacity in the future.
Hire an Experienced Car Accident Attorney
An experienced car accident lawyer understands the complexities of personal injury law and how insurance adjusters operate. This is the answer to the question of how to get more money from a car accident settlement.
When you work with an attorney, they typically begin by evaluating your case. They know how to help car accident victims gather evidence, assess the extent of their injuries and damages, and evaluate the potential value of their claims, setting realistic expectations for the settlement.
Attorneys also handle communications with the insurance company and the other party or parties involved in the case. This can be particularly useful, as insurance companies may use various tactics to minimize payouts. Your personal injury lawyer can protect your interests during settlement negotiations. If your case goes to court, an experienced car accident attorney will argue on your behalf before a judge or jury.
But how do you hire the right lawyer? The first thing is their expertise in cases similar to yours — personal injuries received during car accidents. Also, reputable attorneys, like Michael Kelly Injury Lawyers, offer a free consultation. Use it to get to know the team you’ll be working with and the legal options they offer.
30-Day, Risk-Free Guarantee
Promptly File Your Case
Each state has specific time limits, known as statutes of limitations, for filing a personal injury lawsuit. Typically, the countdown begins on the date of the accident. In Massachusetts, the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim is generally three years. While this period may seem like a sufficient amount of time, we recommend starting sooner rather than later.
Filing your claim without delay increases your chances of getting a fair car accident settlement. You have more negotiation power, as the physical evidence is less likely to disappear, and witnesses’ recollections are more accurate. Plus, taking prompt action signals to an insurance company and the court that your claim is serious. An experienced attorney will make sure to gather all the necessary evidence and documentation and file a car accident claim on time.
Build and Preserve a Strong Case
A fair car accident settlement relies on strong evidence. This includes photos of the accident scene, damage to the vehicles, and any visible injuries.
Statements from witnesses can also greatly support your version of events. So, if possible, obtain contact information from any bystanders who witnessed the accident. In addition, all documents related to the accident, such as police reports, medical records, and any correspondence with insurance companies, must be kept.
You should also be consistent in your actions and statements. Sticking to your medical treatment plan not only helps you recover faster but also strengthens your case. This way, you demonstrate you’re doing everything in your power to get better.
Avoid Discussing the Case with Insurance Companies
You may recall the common line from movies: “I won’t discuss anything without my lawyer.” This is a piece of advice we want to share for victims of all personal injury cases: refrain from talking about your accident on your own with insurance companies.
While they may seem helpful and concerned about your well-being, approach these conversations with caution. As we’ve mentioned above, an insurance adjuster often aims to minimize the company’s payout.
Thus, when an insurance representative contacts you, we recommend providing only basic facts about the accident. Statements given early, when you may not yet fully understand the extent of your injuries or damages, could potentially be used to undervalue your claim later.
Your car accident attorney can handle these interactions on your behalf, ensuring your legal rights are protected and reducing your stress during this difficult period.
Make a Good Impression in Court
Major work has already been completed by the time the court session takes place, but there is still a bit more to do. Even though your lawyer has handled many of the responsibilities, the court appearance can also influence your compensation. This is why it is essential to leave a positive impression. Here, factors such as behavior, appearance, and demeanor play an important role.
Consider dressing in conservative attire similar to what you would wear for a job interview. Your appearance should indicate that you take the proceedings seriously.
Throughout the trial, maintain a respectful attitude — listen carefully when others speak and avoid emotional reactions to the opposing side’s arguments. When it is your turn to testify, speak clearly and with confidence. Provide answers to questions without offering extra information that is not requested. If you find a question unclear, it is acceptable to ask for clarification.
In addition, what you say in court should align with what you stated earlier. Any inconsistencies might make people doubt your credibility.
Contact Our Lawyers to Claim Maximum Car Accident Settlement
Michael Kelly Injury Lawyers are skilled negotiators. Our recent settlements show that we know how to get the most money from a car accident. We are very confident in our services, which is why we provide a 30-day guarantee. If you are not satisfied with our work within the first month, you are free to leave without any financial obligation.
With personal injury lawyers Michael Kelly Injury Lawyers on your side, you have a team ready to handle all the tedious paperwork, damage calculations, exhausting negotiations with third parties, trial preparations, and more. Do not allow the uncertainty of a car accident’s consequences to overwhelm you. Your recovery — both physical and emotional — starts with a phone call.
Contact us for a free case consultation! Let’s discuss your case and how our team can help you receive fair compensation.
