8 Surefire Tips To Get A Fair Settlement
After an accident caused by someone else’s negligence or error, you want to get a fair settlement for your injuries. You may be facing medical bills that you cannot pay on your own or you might have been out of work while your injuries healed. These tips can help you get the compensation you are entitled to under the law.
Seek Medical Treatment Promptly
After an accident, injuries may not appear immediately. In fact, because your body generates endorphins and adrenaline that may hide pain from an injury. In addition, soft tissue injuries sometimes take time to show symptoms. Therefore, it is important to seek medical treatment immediately after an accident, regardless of the severity of your injury.
Be Accurate and Consistent with Your Medical History
Include your symptoms on all forms you complete when visiting your doctor, even if you are visiting the doctor for a different medical condition. If you notice pain or numbness that you did not feel before, inform the doctor and request that they document that in your medical records.
Conduct a Complete Investigation
Although you do not have to become a private detective after an accident, it is critical that you gather witness statements and contact information as well as police and medical reports. Keep in mind that insurance companies will conduct their own information, so it is important to gather your own evidence while the event is still fresh in your mind.
Make Sure You Have Photographs of All the Important Elements in Your Case
A photograph provides visual evidence of many aspects of your case. If possible, take photos of the accident scene from different angles. Be sure to photograph any and all injuries, whether they are scrapes, bruises or otherwise visible. Photos of torn or stained clothing can also be helpful after an accident. If you do not have photos of the actual accident scene, take photos of your vehicle to demonstrate damage. If possible, take photos of other vehicles involved as well.
Don’t Sign a Release for Medical Records to Other Party’s Insurance Company
After an accident, you are not required to sign a release for your medical records to the other person’s insurance company as this may give them access to information they are not entitled to receive. In fact, you may not have to release your medical records to your own insurance company in some cases.
Don’t Let the Insurance Adjuster Pressure You into Settling Your Case
In almost all cases, the first amount offered by an adjuster is low, if they don’t deny liability completely. Adjusters use many different tactics to try to get you to settle your case for less than it is worth. In some cases, they offer a lower amount in an effort to see if you know what your case is worth. Others may offer a low amount to see if you are just to see if you are serious about your claim. Many times, adjusters are insistent that their offer is as high as they can go, when, in fact, that is rarely the case.
Know All Your Damages and Injuries
Your damages are much more than just what it will cost to repair or replace your vehicle in most cases. Damages may include:
- The cost of medical treatment
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of income if you are unable to work
- Loss of business if you are a business owner
- Cost of a rental car
- Cost of repairing or replacing your car
- Psychological damage caused by stress or other aspects of the accident
- Transportation to and from treatment
Keep All Bills and Receipts Related to Your Accident
It is critical that you keep accurate records of all bills and receipts related to your accident, no matter how small they may seem. Even the cost of postage to send documents to the insurance company may be reimbursed as long as you have documentation.
Know When to Engage an Attorney
If you are demanding compensation for serious injuries that could lead to a pain and suffering claim, you need to discuss your case with an attorney in order to get a fair settlement. The same is true if you are seeking compensation for future damages, such as medical treatment you may need in the future. If there is any question about who was at fault in the accident, it is important to hire an attorney.
If you or a loved has been injured in an accident, contact Lundy Law to learn what rights you may have. You can arrange for an initial, no-obligation consultation by calling 1-800-Lundy Law or completing the easy query form online.
