Many car accident legal claims do not end up in court because of the added time and expense. Instead, attorneys work with clients and insurance providers to reach acceptable settlements. There are ways to maximize car accident settlements, and the chances of doing so might increase when you work with an experienced car accident lawyer.
Seek Immediate Medical Treatment
The first priority after an automobile accident is to get medical help, even if the injuries do not seem serious. The symptoms might not show up right away and can worsen in days or even hours. Besides that, it is important to have a record of treatment to show the extent of the injuries. Otherwise, the insurance company or defendant’s legal team will take note.
Be sure to follow the doctor’s orders to the letter, and this includes showing up for appointments, taking prescribed medications, avoiding certain activities, and attending physical rehab sessions.
Do Not Overshare Information
Retaining information is a key responsibility for insurance adjusters, so elaborating on details is unwise. Listen to what they say and provide short, clear answers to their questions. You only need to offer basic information and should avoid saying anything else. The same advice holds true for discussing the accident with law enforcement officers, medical personnel, and anyone outside the immediate family. Sharing information about what happened on social media is also risky since insurance representatives might be tracking your posts.
Once you enter into a contract with a car accident lawyer, you can share the information and your opinions with them. Always be completely honest with your lawyer, otherwise your settlement could be compromised.
Gather as Much Evidence as Possible
Evidence gathered from a car accident scene goes a long way toward proving liability. The police report should provide crucial information about what happened, and the reporting officer might offer additional insight. Photographs, video footage, and eyewitness statements can also help.
An injured car accident survivor should keep their medical and property damage records well organized and include everything from the initial diagnosis to the most recent medication receipt. In serious car accident settlement cases, lawyers may also work with accident scene investigators and accident scene recreation experts to build strong cases.
Be Patient
You should also remain patient. An initial insurance settlement offer might seem appropriate and hard to turn down, but accepting it without taking the time to analyze it may be a mistake. One never knows if their accident-related injuries will worsen even with treatment, and there could be other complications. That first settlement offer could be lower than fair compensation that would cover all of your costs.
Tinton Falls Car Accident Lawyers at the Law Offices of Michael S. Williams Help Clients Maximize Their Car Accident Settlements
If you were injured in a car accident, you should think twice before accepting an initial settlement because it could be a lowball offer. Reach out to our experienced Tinton Falls car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Michael S. Williams to discuss your potential legal options. Call us today at 732-351-2800 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. With offices conveniently located in Tinton Falls and New Brunswick, New Jersey we serve clients in Monmouth and Middlesex County and throughout the state.
