What Should I Do to Maximize My Car Accident Settlement?

The steps you take after being injured in a car accident can have a significant impact on the amount of money you receive in a settlement. The personal injury attorneys at Moore Law Firm help clients understand what they should do to protect their rights and interests in the event of a crash. Following these steps can help you 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.

Collect evidence. If possible, snap photos of the scene, damage to vehicles, your injuries and anything else you think may be relevant. Gather 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. 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 if you have an injury complaint. Documenting your injuries as soon as possible provides valuable evidence that can substantiate your claim later. Make sure to follow up with any recommended specialists or diagnostic tests and see your family doctor as soon as you can.

Find A Personal Injury Attorney

Before you speak to an insurance adjuster or accept a settlement, contact a personal injury attorney. Insurance companies will always try to minimize claims and can easily 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 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 an attorney for you.

What Should I Do If I Need Further Treatment After A Car Accident?

Keep all appointments and follow all instructions. Your medical records provide the best evidence of the extent of your injuries. Make sure you inform your doctor, physical therapist, and any other medical professionals about your symptoms and pain levels every time you see them. Keep attending all therapy sessions until you are cleared by your doctor.

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

If you pay out-of-pocket for any co-pays, deductibles, or medical services, make sure to ask for a receipt.

Provide proof of lost wages. You’ll also want to provide proof of lost wages with W-2’s, pay stubs, timesheets, and other employment information.

Keep a journal. Keeping track of all of 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 your quality of life.

Avoid Social Media

Posting on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or other social media platforms 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. The best thing you can do to protect yourself is to deactivate your accounts or don’t posts on your page until your settlement is finalized.  Remember, innocent posts can be taken out of context in a lawsuit.

Contact A Mobile Car Accident Lawyer To Learn More

Our personal injury lawyers at Moore Law Firm have represented more than 15,000 injury victims over the last 36 years. We’re dedicated to protecting injured victims’ rights and helping you recover the maximum compensation you deserve. Contact us online, call us at 251-445-7602, or use the convenient chat feature on our website to schedule a consultation today.