Someone hit you, you got hurt, now you’re watching the bills add up. Their insurance may have already made you an offer that seems low, but what if that’s their best offer? How do you know if you’re getting a fair settlement? If their insurance should pay more, how can you get it? These tips will help you make sure you get the vehicle accident compensation you deserve.
Gather Evidence at the Scene
Most of the time, the at-fault driver doesn’t say, “It was all my fault, I caused the wreck, please pay them the maximum possible amount because I should have done differently.” It’s human nature to be defensive, to put blame on someone else or try to justify behavior. Even if the other driver admits fault, their insurance company is going to try to find wiggle room so they can offer you less.
If it comes down to a disagreement over damages between you and the other person’s insurance company, any information that supports your claim is helpful. If you’re able, gather evidence at the scene. If you’re not, call someone you trust to do it for you as quickly as possible, before cleanup erases the aftermath. Here’s some of the evidence you should gather:
⦁ Photos of both vehicles from multiple angles to capture their position in the roadway and any damage
⦁ Photos of skid marks and debris
⦁ Landmark photos that show street signs or adjacent structures
⦁ Witness names and contact information
⦁ Information on where the responding officer will file a police report
Do Everything Your Doctor Tells You
Even if you feel like your injuries are minor, always go to the doctor after you have a car accident. Sometimes injuries don’t show up for days or weeks after a wreck. If you don’t go, insurance might say you must not have been injured.
Follow all the steps your doctor recommends for testing and treatment. Sometimes people get tired of going to follow-up visits, especially when the bills start to come in. However, it’s critical that you do exactly what your healthcare professional says, both so you can heal, and so that you know exactly what you’re dealing with when you file your claim.
Don’t Get in a Rush
This step is difficult. It doesn’t take long before it starts to feel like you just want your life back. You don’t even want to think about what happened and the problems it caused. You just want it over with.
When people get in a hurry, they accept settlements that are lower than their claim is worth. Don’t make that mistake. If you’re feeling pressure because of bills you’re receiving, we can help you make arrangements with your doctor or the mechanic that has your vehicle so you don’t have to pay out of pocket, you can wait and see what happens with your claim.
Explain Why You Should Get More
If the insurance company offers what seems like an insufficient amount, don’t just say no and slam the phone down. We can help you put together an explanation of why you deserve a bigger settlement based on your injuries, expenses, pain and suffering, time off work, and other quantifiable realities.
Negotiate for the Future
When there’s a car accident injury, unfortunately it’s not always possible to heal completely and be done with it. Ask your doctor what you can expect years down the road because of your injury. It’s difficult to think about further complications, but if they might occur, you deserve compensation both for your worry and for the possible expense and down time. We’ll help you negotiate that too.
Don’t Wait Too Long to File
The Statute of Limitations in Texas and Louisiana is two years from the date the accident occurred. If you wait longer than that, you might not receive any compensation at all.
Work With an Expert Car Accident Attorney
Contact the HYPERLINK "https://monsourlawfirm.com/schedule-a-free-consultation/"Monsour HYPERLINK "https://monsourlawfirm.com/schedule-a-free-consultation/" Law Firm car accident attorneys. We’re dedicated to getting our clients fair settlements, and you don’t pay a dime until you do.
