Tips to Maximize Your Compensation in a Car Accident Claim

Car accidents can be devastating; they often lead to serious physical, financial, and emotional losses. However, if your crash was caused by the negligence of another party, then you may be able to seek compensation for your losses. You can get compensated for your medical expenses, lost wages, physical pain, emotional distress, and more.

Many times, while recovering damages after a car accident, people end up with insufficient compensation, and often this is because of mistakes that could have easily been avoided. Getting your rightful compensation requires strategy, documentation, and the right legal guidance.

Here are some tips you can keep in mind to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve.

Tip 1 – Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Car accidents can range from a small fender bender to huge multi-vehicular accidents, and no matter how minor an accident is, it is best to get a medical checkup done immediately. Medical checkup includes calling EMS (emergency medical service) at the accident scene for a preliminary check, as well as a thorough checkup at a trusted hospital. Medical checkups ensure that your health is okay, and the medical record that follows acts as proof of your injuries after the crash.

Note: Be sure to keep a thorough record of all your medical records, and do not miss any follow-ups with the doctors.

Tip 2 – Gather Strong Evidence From the Accident Scene

Evidence is key when it comes to car accident claims. You need to collect thorough evidence from the scene of the accident, such as pictures and videos of your injuries, the vehicles (yours and other parties’), the accident location, weather conditions, etc. Talk to any witness and ask for statements.

Look around and check for any CCTV cameras, and try to get the footage. If you have a dashcam, then you can also keep a copy of that. Ask for a copy of the police report.

Tip 3 – Avoid Speaking to Insurance Adjusters Without Legal Advice

Once you inform the insurance companies of the accident and file a claim, the companies will send representatives to evaluate the case, known as insurance adjusters. It is important to understand that an insurance adjuster works for the insurance company, not for you, so they will always prioritize the company’s interests. Meaning their aim is to minimize the payouts for the company.

It is always advised to have a lawyer when dealing with an insurance adjuster. A lawyer can guide you on what not to say to them, ensure that you never give any recorded statements, and will only let you accept fair settlements.

Tip 4 – Keep Track of All Financial and Non-Economic Losses

To get fair compensation, you need to be able to prove your damages. When it comes to your tangible losses, i.e., economic losses, you can do so by keeping a record of your medical bills, pay slips (for lost wages), vehicle repair/replacement bills, and other property repair/replacement bills. In case of your intangible losses, i.e., non-economic damages, you can record your losses, like pain, emotional trauma, or reduced quality of life, by keeping a diary documenting what you are going through or by having your close ones or professionals attest to your suffering.

Tip 5 – Do Not Admit Fault or Post About the Accident Online

At any stage of the claim process, say anything that may be taken as an admission of fault, or even a partial admission. Even saying something like ‘I’m sorry’ could be taken as an admission of guilt, which is why you need to be careful about what you say. Admitting guilt, even partially, could lead to low or even no compensation, depending on whether your state follows comparative or contributory negligence rules.

Also, it is best to stay off social media, meaning don’t post anything, no photos, videos, or details, and do not even reply to those asking about the accident. Your social media will likely be followed by insurance companies, who could use your posts against you.

Key Takeaways

• Always get medical attention after a car accident.
• Gather evidence from the scene of the accident.
• Always have a lawyer present when interacting with adjusters.
• Keep thorough documentation of your damages.
• Never admit fault.
• It is best to hire a lawyer to represent you and get you fair compensation.