28 March 2020
 Categories: Law, Blog

Getting involved in an auto accident is traumatic enough; the process of getting a decent settlement for an auto accident shouldn't be traumatic as well. There are steps you can take to ensure you get a decent settlement for your accident.

Step #1: Get a Lawyer

First, you need to retain an attorney to represent you. You are going to want to retain an attorney who works in personal injury law and who focuses on auto accident lawsuits. An attorney will be able to guide you through the claims process and make sure you don't accept an offer until it meets your needs. If necessary, an attorney can help you take your negotiations to court via a personal injury lawsuit.

Step #2: See the First Offer as a Starting Point

Second, it is important to see the first settlement offer from the insurance company just as a starting point. You are in no way obligated to accept the first offer you are given by the insurance company. As a tactic, insurance companies generally offer a settlement that is lower than you deserve because they are hoping you will accept a lower offer and thus save them money.

If you want to get the maximum settlement offer, you are going to have to engage in negotiations with the insurance company. You are going to need to prove to them that you deserve more money, and if that doesn't work, you and your attorney can take them to court.

Step #3: Save All Bills & Receipts

With a car accident, you can get damages for your medical bills, medical equipment, rehabilitation expenses, and prescriptions. You can get damages for your lost wages as well as compensation for damage to your vehicle. Additionally, you can be compensated for your pain and suffering.

For all the damages that you can quantify, you need to keep track of your financial statements. For all medical treatment, get copies of the bills. For any prescriptions or equipment you purchase on your own, keep the receipts. For your work, get records that show your regular schedule, and then show your lost work.  

Step #4: Track Your Pain and Suffering

Although you can't keep receipts for pain and suffering, you can keep a diary that shows how the accident has impacted your life. Having a record that shows how your life has changed can help you get damages for this hard to quantity category.

If you want to get a fair settlement after a car accident, you need to have an attorney on your side to help you with the insurance company. The first settlement offer is just a starting point; you and your attorney will need to negotiate and prove that you deserve a larger settlement.

For more information, contact an auto accident attorney.