No one wants to be involved in a car accident but there are times when law-abiding motorists become the victims of other people’s recklessness. It’s a good thing that under civil law, people who were injured in a collision regardless of the severity are well within their right to get compensated. It’s only a matter of making sure they file a claim that’s likely to bring the best outcomes.

However, there’s also a good chance that victims end up not receiving compensation that reflects the full extent of what they suffered and lost. Even worse is when the other party and their insurance carrier use all available means to downplay the damages and justify a lower compensation package. You wouldn’t want that to happen to you if you were unfortunately injured in a collision that someone else caused. Here’s how you can fight for your right to an amount you truly deserve:

1. Understand how the claims process works

No matter the extent of your injuries and losses, it matters to know what legal steps you will need to take first. It’s always wrong to assume you have all the facts in your favor when the other party refuses to cover all of your expenses. You need to know how the filing of a car accident claim works and the necessary paperwork needed to kickstart the process, especially if the other side is uninsured. 

Keep in mind that there’s a statute of limitations to consider which sets the timeframe in which you’re allowed to pursue legal action against the other party. There are lots of documents you need to gather and deadlines to meet but as long as you stay focused on your goal, you’re likely to secure the compensation amount you deserve.

2. Collect quality evidence throughout

As you build a case against the other party, you need to establish not just their liability towards you but also the total cost of your medical bills and other expenses you’ve incurred. For this, it matters to secure documentation gathered immediately in the aftermath of the accident. You need not just photographs but also eyewitness testimonies. 

Medical records are also crucial in setting an amount that covers not just initial injuries but also the long-term effects of the accident on your wellness. The average settlement for broken bone in car accident cases generally runs in the hundreds of thousands, so it’s important to have yourself checked by a physician and undergo follow-up visits and tests. This will help you detect underlying issues that warrant a higher compensation amount.

3. Know who to reach out for your legal needs

No matter how good a case you’re building up, victory isn’t guaranteed if you’re going at it alone. It matters to get an experienced lawyer to help you gather all relevant facts in a way that reinforces a higher compensation amount.

For this reason, don’t just pick any lawyer to represent your side in filing a car accident claim. It matters to seek out a personal injury attorney who is not only academically competent but also presents an impressive track record of litigation victories yielding high amounts for plaintiffs, especially in the state or locality where the accident occurred.

4. Never settle too early

At some point in the claims process, the other side and their insurer may try to reach out and offer an amount you think is more than enough to cover your medical expenses. However, that amount will most likely fall short of your lawyer’s computation. In getting compensated for an accident, medical costs are only a part of the total amount.

For the most part, you will need to factor in economic losses if the accident caused you to miss work for months leading to a loss of income. There’s also the emotional pain and suffering you’ve experienced that could also lead to a lifetime of trauma. The amount you deserve could be higher than what the other side tries to offer, so commit to your estimates until the other side agrees to pay the exact or at least close to the compensation size you should get.

Endnote

By keeping these tips in mind, you can maximize the amount of money you will get from your car accident claim and secure your physical, emotional, and financial wellness as you move on from the aftermath.