Auto accidents are not easy to deal with for any individual. Besides the emotional and physical injuries that you are likely to suffer, there are also financial implications that can set you back. The hospital and repair costs can put a serious strain on your finances. Compensation comes in handy for reimbursing your financial losses and other damages resulting from a car accident.
Navigating insurance companies and medical providers while still nursing injuries and facing financial struggles is not easy. The process can be a cause for additional stress and anxiety. Knowing what to do when an accident happens will help ease this burden. Here, we share tips that will help you maximize the amount of compensation you may be entitled to.
1. Reject the first settlement offer
Some drivers and their insurance companies are in the habit of rushing and intimidating people to settle the claim matter quickly. This is in the hopes of settling for less than what your claim is worth. It is better to wait till after the full extent of your injuries has been ascertained and treatment completed.
It is also advisable to seek the counsel of an experienced personal injury attorney like this Fort Myers car accident lawyer. The lawyer will negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive the settlement that you deserve.
2. Collect evidence
An accident scene can be a chaotic one. While your priority should be seeking medical attention, document the accident scene if the injuries sustained are not severe. This evidence will play a key role in winning your claim.
- Call the police, who will draft a police accident report documenting the scene and evidence of fault
- Get verbal and written statements from willing witnesses of the accident. Don’t forget to collect their contact information
- Take photographs of the accident and capture the scene, injuries sustained, and damage to the vehicle
3. Seek medical treatment
Seeking medical attention after an accident should always be the priority. Be sure to keep a complete set of the medical report, from treatment records, doctor's notes, prescriptions, and medical bills. Document the time taken to receive treatment, go for check-ups, and whether you take time off work to make these appointments. This information about your physical condition will be difficult to refute in your compensation claim. Ensure you follow the doctor’s instructions to the latter.
4. Get repair estimates
Once you have been treated and are feeling better, collect repair and associated costs estimates for the damages done to your vehicle. Ensure you have at least two or three of these to help you make a strong argument. The insurer will also carry out an independent inspection to try and adjust your compensation figure.
5. Keep quiet, be patient
While the compensation process is in motion, anything you say about the accident can be used against you. It is best not to talk about your injuries or the settlement you seek and leave these matters to your capable attorney. Insurance claims require patience, but persistence is also important. Don’t shy away from checking on the status of your claim with the lawyers.
Endnote
You deserve justice for the suffering the accident put you through, and this is by getting the compensation that you rightfully deserve. This is where a car accident lawyer comes in. Seeking proper legal representation when an auto accident occurs will go a long way in helping you smooth out the compensation process.