Car accident settlements can often be expensive, especially when it comes to accidents that cause serious injuries. This is especially true when it comes to average settlement for car accident back and neck injury.
Completing the entire process to receive your settlement can take a long time. Most car accident settlements can take several months, often starting at nine months and going on for almost two years. It’s best to maximize the settlement amount you can receive to ensure it is enough for all related expenses you may incur while waiting.
How To Maximize Your Car Accident Settlement Amount
When an accident occurs, the aftermath can be overwhelming, and understanding how to navigate the road to compensation can be daunting. Our goal is to guide you through this process by providing actionable steps and tips for maximizing your car accident settlement amount.
Armed with the tips below, you will be better positioned to negotiate a fair and substantial settlement.
1. Collect Strong Evidence
When it comes to car accidents, evidence is your best friend. Take photos and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, injuries, and anything else relevant. Get contact information from witnesses too, as their statements can be valuable.
Having proper and accurate evidence of the events is crucial to ensure that any involved party or insurance provider will not have a chance to refute what happened and reduce their liabilities.
2. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Your health should always be your top priority. Even if you feel okay, get checked by a doctor right after the accident.
Additionally, prompt medical attention allows for better documenting of your injuries while they are still fresh. This can ensure well-documented evidence linking them to the crash. Having clear proof of the severity of injuries, pain, and suffering as well as other related documentation can help maximize the pain and suffering multiplier used in determining compensation.
3. Document Your Injuries and Treatment
Keep a detailed record of all your injuries, medical treatments, and related expenses. Medical reports and doctor’s notes are a big part of showing the severity of your injuries. Having proper documentation will support your claim when negotiating, whether it is for major minor car accident settlement amounts.
It’s possible to increase your settlement value simply by ensuring everything about your injuries — including how it happened and its overall effect on your daily life — is properly documented and recorded.
4. Be Wary of Early Settlement Offers
Don’t jump at the first settlement offer from the insurance company. It’s often lower than what you deserve. Take your time and consider the full extent of your damages before accepting.
Be prepared to negotiate and, if necessary, reject initial offers that do not adequately compensate for your damages. Moreover, make sure to do your research first. Knowing the typical car accident settlement amounts beforehand can help you set realistic expectations for your case and prevent you from getting haggled down by insurers or other parties.
5. Understand Pain and Suffering Compensation
Pain and suffering are challenging to quantify, but they’re a significant part of your settlement. Make sure to provide clear proof of your pain and suffering. This includes the severity of your injuries, supporting statements or examinations of qualified doctors, documentation of your period of recovery, and more.
6. Never Admit To Anything
Avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be used against you. This is exactly the right time to exercise your right to remain silent. Let the experts determine fault through an investigation. Admitting fault right away — even as an emotional statement and not one hinged on facts — could seriously impact your chances of getting the compensation you rightfully deserve.
7. Consider Long-Term Effects
Think about the long-term consequences of your injuries, such as ongoing medical treatments or the impact on your ability to work. These factors can significantly increase the value of your claim, going beyond minor car accident settlement amounts.
Both your physician and an experienced car accident attorney can help you collect the necessary paperwork to prove the long-term effects of the car accident.
8. Don’t Settle Without Proper Evaluation
Before accepting any offer, make sure you have a clear understanding of your damages and their potential long-term effects. More importantly, understand that once you agree to settle, you can’t seek additional compensation later.
As such, it’s crucial to talk with an attorney first. Researching on your own and reading about how to maximize your car accident settlement online helps, but professional legal advice will always be better.
Typical Car Accident Settlement Amounts
Last Advice: Consult a Car Accident Lawyer
A car accident lawyer can be a real game-changer. They understand the ins and outs of these cases and can help you navigate the process while protecting your rights. Their expertise can ensure you don’t miss any critical factors that could affect your settlement.
Always remember that you don’t have to go through this alone. If you’ve been in a car accident, it’s crucial to have the right support. Consulting a car accident lawyer for legal advice and assistance with the settlement process is the best way to maximize your car accident settlement.
We’re here to help you every step of the way. We’ll be your biggest ally and advocate, fighting to ensure you receive the best possible outcome and your rightful compensation.
If you were involved in a car accident and would like a free consultation, view our car accident lawyers page here.