Filing a claim for a car accident is likely the only way to recover the costs of the incident. Without a claim, the injured person will need to cover their own medical bills, vehicle repairs, lost wages, and more. Yet, just filing a claim and requesting compensation doesn’t guarantee to receive sufficient money in a settlement. Chances are, the initial settlement offer from the insurance company will be too low to cover all expenses related to the accident. Below are a few things to do to help maximize the claim and receive more money.
Hire a Lawyer
Hiring a lawyer should be the first step when filing a car accident claim. Lawyers from https://thepatelfirm.com/houston-personal-injury-lawyer have experience negotiating with insurance companies, so they know what to do and what to avoid doing. They also know how much will be needed for a settlement that covers all expenses as well as what to do if the insurance company refuses to payout. If the case ends up going to court, it’s going to be crucial to have legal assistance to win the case.
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Seek Medical Attention
How much are the injuries worth? Well, that depends on how much medical care is needed for the victim to recover. Always seek medical attention as soon as possible after the accident to get a record of the injuries and the care needed for them. If an injured person waits too long to seek help, along with the potential for the injury to become worse, there’s the possibility that the insurance company will deny the claim because it can’t be proven the injuries occurred during the accident.
Collect and Preserve Evidence
If possible, it’s a good idea to take photos of the accident scene right after the accident. Evidence like this can help prove how the accident happened and who is at fault. When photos are available for the accident, make sure they’re backed up properly. They aren’t going to help at all if the phone dies and the photos can’t be recovered. Instead, make sure photos and other evidence are backed up in at least three places.
Avoid Talking About the Case
Do not talk about the accident, what happened, evidence, or anything else with others. It’s better to just say there was an accident if anyone asks, then decline to answer any questions. Anything said can be used to deny claims or in court. It’s especially important to avoid posting about the accident on social media. There is a possibility the posts will be found and used against the victim.
Let the Lawyer Negotiate
Never accept the first settlement offer from the at-fault person’s insurance company. It is likely going to be low and will not cover all accident-related expenses. Instead, let the lawyer negotiate a higher settlement that will cover all of the expenses, including legal fees. This can take some time, but it will be worth it when any out-of-pocket expenses are minimized or eliminated.
Have you been in a car accident? Take the time to speak with a lawyer today to learn more about what you can do to maximize the settlement received. A lawyer will help you through the entire process and can make sure you get a much larger settlement, so you don’t have to pay anything on your own.