Boom! That’s the sound you hear when you encounter a car accident. It happens so fast, yet a typical car crash can have long-lasting effects.
In 2022, there were 42,795 fatal crashes. This is only a fraction of the total number of collisions, though. Fortunately, 99% of car crashes do not result in fatalities.
You’ll need to focus on treating your injuries after a car accident. But after that, you may need to work on a car crash settlement. You might be entitled to a settlement to cover your damages if you weren’t at fault.
How do you secure a worthwhile settlement, though? Here are some tips to help you.
Hire a Reputable Accident Attorney
In general, insurance companies settle car accident claims with those involved. It works by contacting the responsible insurance company to file a claim. The company works through the facts and offers a settlement.
Insurance companies pay compensation to car accident victims. But it’s not always a worthwhile amount. Insurance companies aim to pay the lowest amounts they can to protect their finances.
You might feel unsatisfied if you attempt to collect car accident damages from the insurance company. They might not offer the amount you want or deserve. The next step is to hire an attorney.
Look for a reputable accident lawyer in your area. Interview a few attorneys, if necessary, before hiring one. You can discuss your case and desires with these attorneys to see what their thoughts are.
These lawyers specialize in settling car accidents with victims. In many cases, they work on contingency. This means they only earn money if their client wins.
Lawyers help people settle cases in several ways. First, they might attempt to negotiate with the insurance company. If that’s unsuccessful, they can file an auto accident lawsuit.
Gather Evidence
In either case, your lawyer will spend time gathering evidence about the case. To receive a worthwhile settlement, you need proof of several things, including:
- The other party caused the accident
- You suffered damages and losses
The evidence can prove these things. You can use the police report, eyewitness testimonies, and pictures from the accident scene.
Next, the lawyer might speak to expert witnesses if any evidence needs clarity. The goal is to build a solid case based on facts and evidence.
Another key part of the process is calculating the amount of damages. Settlement offers include compensation for many things. Here are some of the common types of compensation lawyers ask for:
Medical Expenses
Your settlement should include every medical bill, past and future. Make sure you keep all your receipts and bills from your doctor visits. Give these items to your lawyer.
You can also ask your doctors for reports. For example, your doctor can write a note about their thoughts on your future. This letter can be very helpful if you have serious injuries that might prevent you from a full recovery.
Lost Wages
Injuries can prevent you from working. The result is lost wages. Add up all the money you lost from this accident.
You can also ask for future lost wages if you suspect you’ll lose money in the future.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering refers to damages outside of physical ones. It refers to mental and emotional damage. For example, do you suffer from depression or anxiety from the accident?
A therapist can help you prove this if necessary. Then, you can request compensation for these things.
Actual Damages
You can also ask for compensation to cover the damages you experienced to your physical property. This category includes car damages but can include damage to other items inside your car during the accident.
Read Also: Take These 7 Steps After A Car Crash To Secure Fair Compensation
Seek All the Medical Help You Need
Car accidents lead to injuries. Some might be minor, but others can affect a person’s entire life. In either case, seek the medical help you need.
This process might begin by going to the emergency room immediately after the accident. If you didn’t do this, you should visit a local doctor as quickly as possible.
You should avoid waiting too long. Waiting too long makes it appear that you did not get injured in the accident.
Your doctor may suggest other forms of medical treatment for your issues. For example, you might need a chiropractor or physical therapy. You may also need dental work if the accident damaged your teeth.
Seek all the help you need for your physical problems. In addition, your damages claim can include treatment for the mental help you need.
A car accident can be a traumatizing event. It can lead to depression, anxiety, insomnia, and many other derogatory feelings. You may qualify for compensation for pain and suffering for these reasons.
Give your lawyer all your medical bills and reports. They’ll use these to prove the car accident effects. They’ll also use them to prove the amount of loss you experienced from the situation.
Calculate Future Losses
Considering your future losses is another factor in a personal injury lawsuit. Adding up how much you currently lost isn’t difficult. You simply add up the receipts.
Unfortunately, your physical and mental issues might continue to affect you in the future. You only get one chance to ask for a settlement. Thus, you must include the estimated amount for future losses.
Fight for a Higher Amount
Finally, ask for a higher settlement amount than you think you deserve. Asking for a higher amount gives you some wiggle room for negotiations.
Your lawyer will know how to do this on your behalf. Remember, you’ll encounter legal fees, so keep that in mind as you determine how much to ask for in your settlement.
Secure a Worthwhile Car Crash Settlement
You can get a worthwhile car crash settlement if you qualify for a settlement. However, it takes work. You must hire an excellent attorney and put in the required effort.
Doing those things can help you increase the settlement you receive after your car accident.
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