Preserve evidence. This includes witness statements, photographs, video of the accident scene, and your own personal records. 2. Get medical treatment. There is no way to understand the full extent of your injuries until you are evaluated by a medical professional. If you are placed on a treatment plan, follow it until otherwise instructed by your doctor. 3. Be patient. Injury claims take time. It is not at all uncommon for a case to take a year or longer to settle. However, as good things come with time, the longer you wait to settle, the more likely your settlement amount will be higher. 4. Think about your damages. Lost wages, loss of consortium, medical bills, and pain and suffering all play into your final settlement amount. Be sure to discuss these avenues with your attorney. 5. Stay off of social media. Insurance companies LOVE investigating injury victims on social media. If you claim you are unable to work, are in immense pain, and have experienced a loss of quality of life, don't post pictures on social media that illustrate otherwise.