Car accidents happen all the time, even if you’re a careful and responsible driver. If you had an auto accident you know that you need to contact the other driver’s insurance company to get compensation for your injuries and stress. But getting a settlement isn’t an easy job because it highly depends on the accident’s conditions. Insurance providers always try to settle the case for the lowest sum possible. However, when you have an accident you aren’t at fault for, you expect to receive fair compensation for your pain and all other damages. Your after-accident needs include lost wages, medical costs, suffering, and pain. But all auto accident cases are unique and it’s best to work with a personal injury lawyer to help you settle for a fair amount. In fact, the best way to maximize your compensation and negotiate with the insurance provider outside the court is to work with a professional.
Some tricks can help you get a fair settlement. Here is a list of actions the lawyer can accomplish on your behalf if you hire one.
Conduct a complete investigation
No matter if you hire a car accident lawyer, you should never leave the accident scene empty-handed. Once you ensure you’re safe and no one is injured, get the witnesses’ contact details, take photos of the scene, and ask the police officers to offer a copy of their report. The information is crucial for a car accident settlement.
Take pictures of all important elements in the case
You probably have a smartphone that takes high-quality pictures, so use it to take photos of the car accident scene, your injuries, and the damage the other driver caused. When injured, document your health state in photographs to help the insurance company understand how the accident affected you.
Don’t release the medical records to the insurance provider
Your personal injury lawyer decides when you can provide the insurer with your medical records. Don’t release them before you get in touch with them because they can use the information against you. However, when your injuries worsen after the accident, let the insurance provider know because they have to increase the reserve account.
Don’t allow the insurance provider to pressure you into settling your case
The moment you contact the insurance company they make you a compensation offer to try to settle the case as soon as possible. But if you consider the amount isn’t fair for your suffering and damage, contact a personal injury lawyer to make an estimation of how much your case is worth. It’ll help you understand if the compensation correctly covers your damages.
It’s tempting to accept the first offer, especially when you have medical bills you need to pay, but it’s always best to hold out for as long as possible.
Know the damages
You don’t have extensive medical knowledge, but you can reach your practician to help you understand the extent of the medical damages you experienced and how your injuries can affect your health in the long run.