When two vehicles collide, they often produce catastrophic injuries. The severity of your injuries determines the value of your car accident settlement. Document your medical expenses to prove your economic damages. A lawyer will use this evidence to calculate the total value of your claim. Then, they will add a multiple to account for your pain and suffering.
Gather Evidence
The stronger the evidence, the higher your compensation. Evidence can include photos of the scene, witness names and contact information, weather conditions, witness statements at the accident site, and medical records documenting your injuries. Medical records are one of the most important pieces of evidence because they show the extent of your injuries and their impact on your daily life. Keeping a pain journal and documentation of your loss of income can also be helpful. Another piece of evidence is the condition of your vehicle before the accident, including repair estimates. Your car accident lawyer can help and can use this to negotiate with the insurance company for fair compensation. An additional evidence is your age because younger people are generally awarded more money for non-financial losses because their life expectancy is longer.
Negotiate on Your Behalf
Insurance companies are looking to mitigate risk and save money. This means that initial settlement offers are often significantly lower than you would expect or deserve. Your car accident lawyer can negotiate the value of your damages with the insurance company, helping to maximize your compensation. They can also arrange the amount of non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. Before negotiating, your attorney will help you decide on a minimum settlement figure. This is private and should not be shared with the claims adjuster. Your attorney will work on a contingency basis, meaning they will only get paid once they win your case in court or reach a settlement. This helps ensure they have the necessary resources to fight for their rights.
Ask for Punitive Damages
A car accident lawyer can help you build a strong case to receive compensation for your current and future losses. They will consider all your costs, including medical treatments, lost wages and how your injuries have affected your quality of life. Documentation is critical in a car accident claim. Save all insurance and medical documentation about your crash. This includes ambulance and emergency services, doctor visits, hospitalization, diagnostic tests and medication.
Also, save any payroll documents showing your earnings loss due to the crash. This may include any sick days and vacation time you used due to the accident. It can be difficult to price pain and suffering, but your attorney will use this documentation to reinforce your claims for non-economic damages.
Ask for a Higher Settlement
Hiring a lawyer can be extremely advantageous if you seek a higher settlement from your insurance company. Lawyers have the necessary expertise to negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. They can gather and present evidence to support your claim for damages, including medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and other expenses. Insurance companies often try to pressure you to accept a lower settlement, especially if you have substantial medical bills or have lost income due to your injuries.
By hiring a lawyer, you can be confident that you have someone to fight for your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. However, an attorney can help protect your interests and negotiate a better deal. A car accident lawyer will consider all your expenses in calculating your maximum compensation, including the effect of your injuries on your quality of life and future earning potential. They can also argue for punitive damages.
Hire an Attorney
Dealing with insurance companies directly without an attorney can be very costly. Careless drivers often try to keep legal representation out of the picture, but doing this can cost you a lot of money when medical bills or car damage pop up later. Document your injuries and any property damage you sustained in the accident. Having documented proof of your losses can help you secure a fair settlement. Also, get medical attention for any injuries you may have suffered in the accident. This will not only help you heal, but it will also bolster your claim by providing documentation of the severity of your injuries and the fact that your quality of life has been significantly diminished.