Articles » 7 Tips for Maximizing Your Personal Injury Settlement after an Auto Accident

7 Tips for Maximizing Your Personal Injury Settlement after an Auto Accident

Tags: Attorneys, Personal Injury, Auto Accident

 

After an auto accident, you'll want to ensure that you get the most compensation possible to help with your medical bills and expenses. The average claim pay out can be anywhere from $14,000 to $28,000. How can you be sure you'll get enough to get you back on your feet? Read on to find tips from the experts on maximizing your personal injury settlement.

1. Ensure You Get Medical Attention

Following an auto accident, be sure to get looked over by a medical professional. If the injuries were severe enough, you're likely to be treated by first responders at the scene, so you'll be treated right there and then. Even if you don't need instant treatment, make sure you go to the ER or visit your own doctor and get examined. Sometimes victims walk away with injuries and don’t know they've sustained them. Having this type of documentation is also vital in helping your claim.

2. Don't Take the First Offer

You're waiting on compensation to help you pay your bills, so it's tempting to take the first offer that comes your way. Most accident law firm specialists will tell you, though, that you should not take it. The first offer will almost certainly be a lowball offer. Stick to your guns and focus on maximizing your compensation. Your lawyer will be able to advise you on what you should realistically expect.

3. Know What You Can Claim For

Don't put yourself at a disadvantage by filing a compensation claim before you really know what you can claim for. You can claim for a variety of damages, from loss of regular body functions to future damages. Talk over the accident with your lawyer, and tell them everything you can about how you've been affected.

4. Build a Strong Case

You'll need to have a lot of evidence before your case goes to court, if that's what needs to happen. You need to be seen doing a lot of legwork to get the details needed. That'll mean going to various different doctors for examinations and requesting records and information from the relevant people. Your lawyer will help you collect this evidence so that you've got all the proof you need.

5. File Your Case As Soon As Possible

Don't wait to file your case. Start the wheels in motion as soon as you can. There are several reasons why you should do this. Firstly, it shows the other side that you're serious and that you're ready to go after what you're owed. It will also ensure that you get your compensation sooner rather than later, when you need it the most. Finally, it ensures that you can preserve evidence before it can disappear, making your case all the stronger.

6. Be Careful On Social Media

Everyone knows in court that what you say will be taken down on record, and possibly used against you. What you may not know is that this is true on social media, too. Its best not to say anything about your case online at all, until it's over and you have your money in your possession. After all, if you're claiming for one thing, but saying something else online, this will hurt you in court. It's best to stay quiet and let the attorney do the talking for you.

7. Make A Good Impression

They say first impressions count, and that's very much the case in court. You want to ensure that the jury sees you as a reliable and reputable person, who is looking for the compensation that is owed to them. Make sure you dress well when you come to court, and be polite and respectful at all times. It's a worrying and anxiety provoking situation, but try your best to stay level headed. Others will see this, and it will work in your favour.

Conclusion

Follow these tips and you'll be sure to get the full pay out that you're entitled to. Get in touch with a law firm now to ensure that you get the help you need to do this.