Getting into a car accident is a traumatic ordeal, but it can also come with a lengthy headache regarding financial compensation. If you want to get a good amount of compensation after a car accident, here are ten tips you can use to settle your claim for a high amount.
- Accurate Records
Having complete records of everything related to your case will stand you in good stead.
- Take Pictures
A lot of people make the mistake of overreacting at the scene of a car accident. Instead of shouting at the other party, take your time to assess your health and damage to your vehicle. Take pictures of the car, the positions of all vehicles, any skid marks, etc.
- Never Release Medical Records
It is fine if you want to release your medical records to your insurance company, but DO NOT release these records to the other party’s insurance provider. And make sure your insurance company is aware of your stance on this matter. In general, it is best to leave these decisions to your attorney rather than make them yourself.
- Do Not Get Pressured
The insurance company will do everything it can to pressure you into accepting a low settlement. Make sure you stand your ground. If they attempt to bully you, tell them, hire an attorney.
- Keep a Journal of Injuries and Medical Records
Not only do you need to keep a record of what happened during the car accident, but you also need to record details about your injuries, your medical treatments and the impact that all of that has on your day to day life. Your journal should explain each injury. If your injury is preventing you from returning to work, it should make that clear too and explain why.
- Bills and Receipts on Hand
Do not throw away any bills or receipts related to your medical expenses or vehicle damage after this accident. Every receipt is proof of money you spent because of this accident.
- Know Who Insures You
Sometimes people make the mistake of forgetting to find out who they can claim compensation from after a car accident. Always start with your own insurance company. Notify it that you were involved in a collision. However, there may be two or three insurance providers who may have some degree of responsibility. Ignoring any of these possible sources of compensation may result in a significantly lower final sum.
- Keep Going to Your Doctor
A number of people make the mistake of stopping their medical treatments prematurely. This is counterproductive. If you stop treatment, not only does it reduce the actual medical expenses for which you can claim reimbursement, it makes your injuries seem less severe. If you continue treatment, you will have a greater chance of returning to optimal health and you will have more medical expenses for your settlement negotiations.
- Hire an Attorney
If you were injured in Utah, hiring a Utah Car Accident Attorney is the only way you can get the type of settlement you want from these cases. If your case is not resolved within a few days, the insurance company may attempt to get you to accept a low settlement.
- Choose a Lawyer who is Unafraid of a Court Case
While you will want a lawyer who wants to settle when possible, you also need an attorney who is not afraid to go to trial. Most personal injury cases are settled and do not ever get tried to a jury. However, you want to make sure that your lawyer regularly tries cases where the insurance company does not offer an adequate settlement. The insurance companies know which lawyers will take an inadequate settlement and which ones will reject it and try the case. Obviously, they will be more willing to offer higher settlement values to lawyers to don’t accept low ball settlement offers just to avoid trying the case.
This article was submitted by the personal injury law firm of Christensen & Hymas in Utah. For more information, please visit their website.
