We’ve all wondered how to get more money from a car accident settlement. Whether you’re the lawyer or the client, we all have thoughts on maximizing compensation. These thoughts come from our own experiences and advice from others. However, there’s also misinformation out there. Here are some suggestions to ensure you get as much money as possible, whether you hire a lawyer or handle the case yourself. So, if you want to know how to get extra money from a car accident settlement, our guide can help you.
Steps on How to Get the Most Money from a Car Accident
In the aftermath of a car accident, navigate the complex process of securing maximum compensation with a series of steps we have listed below:
Don’t Settle Immediately
Dealing with a car accident can be more complicated than it seems, and you might want to settle right away. You probably have injuries, fixing your car, and lots of paperwork to handle, all while managing your daily life. When the insurance adjuster offers you a quick settlement, it might seem tempting, but it’s important to know they’re likely not offering the full amount you deserve.
They want to settle fast before you fully understand the value of your case or seek legal help. Remember, it’s often possible to get more compensation with the guidance of a lawyer who can navigate the process and negotiate on your behalf. Also, don’t rush the process—personal injury cases can take time to resolve properly, depending on various factors like the severity of your injuries and the treatment needed.
Get All the Medical Help You Need
To ensure you receive the maximum compensation after a car accident, it’s crucial to prioritize seeking medical help for your injuries and diligently following your doctors’ treatment plans. By law, you need to show how badly you’re hurt and what medical care you need. Follow your doctor’s advice on how to do this. A complete and thorough medical treatment not only provides evidence for your case but also ensures you receive the necessary care for recovery.
Hire a Lawyer
Can you get money from a car accident if you have a lawyer? Yes. However, you can handle your car accident case alone, but it might not be the best choice. Cases typically wrap up within 6–9 months after medical treatment, but this timeline varies, and navigating it can be tricky without expertise. Insurance people might trick you if you don’t know much about settlements, which could mean you get less money. Hiring a lawyer who knows the ins and outs of the process, can often result in better outcomes for your case, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
Don’t Take the First Offer
When insurance companies make their first settlement offers, they’re often lowballing you. But don’t worry, they can and usually will pay more during negotiations. Lawyers who work on personal injuries know how to negotiate and can help you get as much money as you can for what you’ve lost. Just be patient, because negotiations might take a while. Remember, the insurance adjuster’s goal isn’t to pay you what you deserve but to save their company money.
Get Legal Advice from Reputable Firms
When friends or family offer their thoughts on how much your car accident case should be worth, it’s wise to take it with caution because each case is different. Your situation, including the severity of your injuries, medical needs, pain, missed work, and other losses, determines the value of your case, not what someone else received. The amount of money you can get from a car accident depends on the accident’s outcome. For instance, compensation for pain and suffering ranges from $1,000 to over $100,000, depending on the injuries’ seriousness.
A smart injury lawyer can explain these things to you more clearly. On average, a car accident settlement is around $25,400, but it changes depending on how hurt you are and the details of your case. With a lawyer’s help, who has experience negotiating with insurance adjusters and a reputation for fighting for clients, you can work to maximize your case’s value and potentially influence how the insurance company handles your claim.
Other Tips to Receive the Maximum Car Accident Settlement
Here are some simple steps to follow if you’re in a car accident:
- Stay put: Don’t leave until the police arrive and give you a report number.
- Take pictures: If it’s okay, take some pictures of the place and the cars that were in the accident. This can help prove what happened later.
- Ask the police: Once you’ve given your statement, it’s okay to ask what others said. This can provide you with helpful information.
- Get witness information: If there were people nearby who saw what happened, get their contact information. They might help later.
- Watch your social media: Avoid talking about the accident online unless you’re seeking advice. And don’t delete any posts you’ve made about it; that could hurt your case.
Get the Most Out of Your Car Accident Settlement with Our Tips
If you’re in a car accident, there are steps you can take to maximize your compensation. Don’t rush to settle—you might deserve more than what’s offered initially. Seek medical help promptly to document your injuries and treatment, and consider hiring a lawyer to guide you through the process and negotiate on your behalf. Wait calmly while discussing things, and don’t say yes to the first offer because it might not be as much as you should get. Remember, each case is unique, so seek advice from reputable sources. Taking these steps can help ensure you receive the maximum settlement possible.