Exploring Civil Case Proceedings

Tips To Maximize Your Car Accident Settlement

14 September 2017 by Becky Freeman

After experiencing major injuries from a car accident caused by another driver, you have the legal right to ask for compensation for your injuries, damages, and trauma. You can do this by settling with the other party's insurance company or through a personal injury case. If you want to maximize the amount you receive for your settlement, you should follow these tips.

Hire a Lawyer

Trying to settle a major accident settlement alone is not the best thing to do if you want to maximize your settlement. Instead, hire a lawyer that knows car accident cases. By hiring a lawyer, you will have an expert helping you through your case, and this will result in receiving more money for your compensation.

Keep in mind that lawyers do charge fees for their services; however, you are still likely to receive a larger compensation if you utilize the services of a car accident lawyer.

Get Medical Help from All the Necessary Doctors

The second tip to consider is getting all the medical help and care you need for your injuries, and this means going to as many doctors as you need to. Injuries from car accidents are often extremely severe and may leave people with back or neck problems for the rest of their lives. If you have any problems with your back or neck, get all the tests necessary to determine the extent of damage, and make sure you visit a chiropractor and physical therapy clinic for as long as necessary.

By doing this, you will have multiple forms of documentation that prove the extent of your injuries. Without seeing the right doctors, it might be hard to prove that you will be struggling with these problems for a very long time.

Keep a Journal

One thing many lawyers also recommend for car accident victims is keeping a journal. A journal is something you can use to write down things relating to the accident, including how you feel, how the accident is impacting your life, and the struggles you now face because of your new injuries.

The important thing to realize with a journal is that it is something you should start writing in as soon as you can after the accident. You should continue writing in it for as long as you need to. This will serve as evidence of the trauma and suffering you are going through, and it will be helpful if you seek compensation for pain and suffering or emotional trauma.

Wait to Settle if You Have Major Injuries

The other important thing to realize is that the insurance company may try to settle your case with you very quickly. While you might need the money now, you are not likely to receive as much money if you do this. It is better to wait until you know exactly how your injuries are going to affect you in the future.

Lawyers often recommend waiting until you reach a point of maximum medical improvement (MMI) before settling; however, you should make sure you file your case before it's too late. Every state has rules that dictate how long a victim has to file a case. If you wait too long, you will no longer have the right to seek compensation for your injuries.

Visiting a lawyer within a few months after your car accident occurs is a good way to handle this. This will help you learn your rights and the timeframe you have for your case. If you are suffering right now from injuries received from a car accident, contact a personal injury lawyer to find out how to proceed with your case. For more information, contact companies like Walsh Fewkes Sterba.

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