What Can I Do to Maximize My Car Accident Settlement?

The steps you take after being hurt in a motor vehicle crash can have a significant impact on the amount of money you receive in a car accident settlement. At Moore Law Firm, our personal injury attorneys in Mobile, AL help clients understand what they should do to protect their rights and interests in the event of an accident. We also advise you on common pitfalls to avoid and fight to maximize the compensation you may be entitled to recover for damages such as lost wages, medical bills, pain and suffering, and other losses.

What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident

Call 911. Being involved in a car accident can leave you feeling stunned and overwhelmed. Unless you’re in immediate danger on a roadway, stay at the scene, call 911, and wait for law enforcement and other first responders to arrive. This ensures that everyone receives the help they need, and police reports provide valuable evidence that may help maximize your car accident settlement.

Collect evidence. If possible, snap photos of the scene, damage to vehicles, your injuries and anything else you think may be relevant. Gather insurance and contact information from other drivers and any witnesses. If you can get a copy of the police report at the scene, make sure to do so. Use the voice recorder on your phone or write down everything you can remember about how the accident happened.

Seek medical attention. In addition to having paramedics check you out, it’s a good idea to go to the emergency room and see a physician. Documenting your injuries as soon as possible can help substantiate your claim and maximize your car accident settlement.

If you require further treatment, it’s vital to keep all medical and physical therapy appointments, Continue treatment and follow instructions from health care providers until you are cleared by your doctor. Your medical records provide the best evidence of the extent of your injuries. In addition, documenting your doctor’s appointments and how you’re feeling in a daily journal provides a record of how your injuries have affected your physical and mental health and quality of life.

Find a Personal Injury Attorney

Do not give insurance adjusters a statement or accept a car accident settlement before contacting an attorney. Insurance companies initially offer low amounts and may pressure you to accept a settlement quickly. Don’t let them minimize your injuries or take advantage of you while you’re in a vulnerable state.

 A car accident lawyer can evaluate your case, advise you of your options, and negotiate a car accident settlement for the maximum compensation you deserve for your injuries and other damages. Your lawyer can also contact your auto insurance company for you. If you’re seriously injured and end up in the hospital, have a family member or friend contact our attorneys for you.

Document Your Expenses 

It’s critical to keep all medical bills and receipts for other accident-related expenses. This will help your attorney determine an accurate settlement amount. You may need to keep bills for:

• The ambulance ride to the emergency room
• Your emergency room visit
• Surgeries and hospital stays
• Visits with specialists
• Physical and occupational therapy
• Transportation to and from appointments
• Medications
• Medical equipment
• In-home care
• Home modifications
• Prostheses and orthotics if you have suffered a catastrophic injury such as amputation or a life-threatening neck injury
• Vehicle damage

If you pay out-of-pocket for any copays, deductibles, or medical services, make sure to ask for a receipt. You’ll also want to provide proof of lost wages with W-2’s, pay stubs, timesheets, and other employment information.

Avoid Sharing Information about Your Case

Posting on social media platforms or discussing your case with others can jeopardize any car or truck accident claim. Although you may want to share your experience with friends and family, it’s important to keep in mind that everything you post is public, even if you believe you have everything set to private. Even casual posts or pictures that aren’t accident-related may be used against you by the insurance company. To protect yourself, only speak to your lawyer about your case and deactivate your social media accounts or refrain from posting until your settlement is finalized.  Even innocent posts can be taken out of context in a lawsuit, and your loved ones may be called to testify.

Understand the Value of Your Car Accident Claim

It’s important to keep in mind that there really are no typical car accident settlement amounts. Each situation is unique, and the value of your claim will depend on many different factors.  Injured victims often underestimate the value of their claims because they focus only on immediate, out-of-pocket expenses. That’s why it’s essential to have a personal injury lawyer evaluate your case and accurately calculate all damages.

In addition to the cost of medical bills, your claim may include:

Future medical expenses – If you need multiple surgeries, long-term treatment, or ongoing care, these expenses should be included in your car accident settlement.

Future wage loss – Victims of serious injuries may not be able to work. A car accident attorney may consult with medical and financial experts to determine the value of future medical bills, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and lost opportunities.

Non-economic damages – These types of damages may include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. If an at-fault party’s behavior was particularly egregious or intentional, you may be able to recover punitive damages as well.

Permanent disability – The value of your claim may be significantly higher if a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence results in permanent disability or disfigurement.

Our car accident lawyers give you a straightforward assessment of your claim and can help you understand which types of damages may apply in your case. We handle all negotiations with insurance companies and are familiar with the underhanded tactics they often employ. We fight for your rights and protect your interests – if a fair car accident settlement can’t be reached, we may consider filing a personal injury lawsuit, but most claims are settled out of court.

Contact Our Mobile Car Accident Lawyers

Our personal injury lawyers at Moore Law Firm have represented more than 15,000 injury victims over the last 40 years. We’re dedicated to protecting injured victims’ rights and helping you recover the maximum car accident settlement you deserve. Contact us online, call us at 251-445-7602, or use the convenient chat feature on our website to schedule a consultation with a car accident attorney in Mobile, AL today.