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5 Ways to Increase Your Car Accident Settlement

On Behalf of | Jul 13, 2024 | Car Accidents |

Money is often the furthest thing from someone’s mind after a car crash. It’s only after things settle down that they start thinking about their finances. A collision can leave someone without a vehicle. It might put them in the hospital. They may lose out on wages or may even need to change professions in more extreme cases.

Someone coming to terms with the reality of a recent collision may realize that they are in serious need of financial support. They usually have to go through an insurance company to get it. The five tips below can help a victim of another’s negligence to maximize what they receive after a crash.

Document everything at the scene

Obviously, it is important to move vehicles after a crash occurs for the safety of everyone else in traffic. However, people also have to think about their own protection before disturbing the scene of a crash. Using a mobile phone to capture video footage and multiple pictures of the crash scene can provide valuable evidence. That evidence can help demonstrate conclusively that the other motorist was the party to blame for the wreck.

Receive appropriate medical support

People are sometimes dismissive about the possibility of injury even if a crash was severe enough to total a vehicle. Many injuries are initially invisible or may have delayed symptom onset. A doctor can help someone establish that they have a brain injury, a soft tissue injury or internal bleeding quickly. Not only does someone’s prognosis improve with a prompt diagnosis, but they also establish a clear connection between the collision and their costs.

Talk to a lawyer

Many people fall victim to insurance company advertising. They think that insurance professionals are their helpful friends. In reality, those professionals are employees who likely received extensive training in aggressive negotiation techniques. Their primary objective is to limit how much the company pays. Having a lawyer manage the claims process limits the risk of mistakes.

Be critical of early settlement offers

Settling a claim is one of the fastest ways for an insurance company to curtail losses. A settlement typically absolves the insurance company of future responsibility for the incident. If the settlement offer is below the policy limits, then countering the offer might be smart.

Avoid discussing the matter online

Social media loves a good spectacle. Someone with a totaled vehicle or dramatic-looking injuries could receive a lot of digital attention if they post about a crash or insurance company nightmares online. Doing so is often a major mistake. Anything shared on social media could potentially affect someone’s claim in the future. Often, best practices after a crash include radio silence online. Minimizing all social media use, including any content related to the collision, can help protect someone’s rights in the future.

People who know how to handle a car crash insurance claim can avoid mistakes that may potentially cost them thousands. Seeking personalized legal guidance can also make all the difference for those struggling after a wreck.

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