There is no secret formula to getting the “right” car accident settlement…it’s more a matter of all the right actions coming together, coupled with perseverance, tenacity and experience. As the victim of a car accident, you’re likely in no position to go up against the insurance companies as you heal and recover from your injuries. As you adjust to your new reality, whether that involves a TBI, spinal cord injury or other traumatic injury, it’s time to hand over some control to your trusted Lancaster attorney who can effectively handle your car accident injury settlement.
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Before achieving the settlement you want, it will take preparation, solid negotiation skills and a dose of patience, as negotiations often take several rounds before resulting in the outcome you deserve. Hiring a personal injury attorney skilled in achieving desirable car accident settlements is key to the process. Here are some ways in which you can increase your chances of the best car accident injury settlement possible.
Clear and Extensive Documentation
Correctly valuing your car accident claim will form the basis of gaining the right car accident settlement for you. This will rest on several factors, including:
- Severity and extent of injuries
- Location
- Degree of negligence
- Accurate documentation
Expanding upon that last bullet point…accurately and completely documenting your injuries, how the accident happened and all your medial visits will prove to enhance your claim exponentially. Poor documentation, on the other hand, may hurt your chances. Keep detailed notes about every aspect of your accident, from medical treatments and prescriptions to estimates for property damage and witnesses who can corroborate your story. Your personal injury attorney will help you, but the more you can do on your own, the stronger your case will be.
About 4.5 million people were injured in motor vehicle crashes and 40,000 killed in 2017 in the U.S., with costs totaling $413 billion, according to the National Safety Council. The price for mobility is extremely high. Staying safe on the roads is important. But protecting yourself even after an accident that renders you injured is also critical. Protecting yourself means being armed with the right information.
Stay Patient, Keep an Open Mind
It’s true what they say: clear heads prevail. Clear communication between you, your lawyer and the insurance company will pay off in the end. Recognize early on that the insurance company does not have the same goals as you do. It’s a car accident adjuster’s job to offer the lowest settlement possible to save his company money. Therefore, it’s a given that the insurance company will likely value your claim settlement much lower than you will. If you know this going in, you will be more prepared to be patient and stay the course. By offering you a lower value than you anticipate, this will spur the process of negotiating a fair settlement.
This process often takes a long time, going back and forth until an agreement is reached that pleases both parties. This may force you to keep an open mind about what a fair deal means to you. You may have to lower your expectations a bit, while the insurance company heightens theirs. It’s all part of the legal process and is nothing to be taken personally.
Keep up to date on filing deadlines, stay in contact with your lawyer and follow up with all parties if you feel too much time has elapsed between contacts. If you feel like you’re being backed up against a wall, you probably are. Let your lawyer get aggressive to speed things up.
Keep it Simple
If and when you must speak with the insurance adjuster, it’s important to be respectful and courteous, but stay firm and confident at the same time. Remember what we said about where the insurance adjuster’s priorities lie? Keep that in mind during any and all interactions. In general, tell the truth but do not elaborate unnecessarily. Heed these tips:
- Stick to the facts of the accident and leave emotions or speculation out of it.
- Decline any recorded statements requested by the adjuster. Likewise, do not sign a written statement before speaking with your lawyer first.
- If questioned about your injury, simply state that you are under a doctor’s care.
- Keep accurate records about the claim in a safe place. Save all emails that pertain to your case as well.
Contact Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accidents Lawyers
If your auto accident claim involves a significant amount of money and your insurance company has denied benefits or has given you a lowball settlement, a personal injury attorney can be a comforting ally during this time. Call us now for a free, no-obligation consultation at 661-945-6969. Obtaining the car accident settlement you deserve starts with calling an experienced Fresno car accident attorney.
