Now that you understand the factors that affect your settlement timeline learn about how to get more money in your settlement:
Preserve accident evidence: Your attorney will collect essential evidence for your claim, but you can help by turning over any evidence you have. In a car accident, it's especially helpful to have pictures and videos in the minutes after the accident. The police will move the cars eventually, which may be before your attorney gets involved.
Get immediate medical care: You should get medical attention the same day, whether you think you are hurt or not. If you delay seeing the doctor, the injury can worsen, but the at-fault driver's insurance may claim you have a pre-existing condition. A doctor will document your injuries and note they are from an accident.
Follow your treatment plan: Going to the doctor immediately is important, but so is following your treatment plan. You may receive instructions to return to the doctor or a healthcare provider several times for extended treatments. Be sure to attend every appointment or reschedule them quickly if you can't make it. The insurance company will check that you are following your treatment plan.
Keep all bills and receipts. Ensure you retain all of your receipts and bills related to the accident. You should keep medical bills, car repair bills and estimates, prescription drug bills, and proof of loss of income. The more documentation you have showing the financial impact of the accident, the better. Provide all of your collected documentation to your attorney.
Keep the accident report: Ask the police officer for a copy of your accident report. You should verify that the report reflects how the accident happened. If your version differs from the other drivers, you can get less money for your claim.
Consider future costs: A common error in accident settlements is not fully considering future expenses related to the accident. Whether it's lost work for months or long-term medical expenses, it's important to account for them. One of your attorney's biggest tasks is properly estimating your future accident-related expenses and damages. A non-attorney may not arrive at a fair number independently.
Don't talk about your case: Whether at the accident scene or online later, talk about the incident as little as possible. Only your attorney and close family members should know the case details. Anything you tell others or post online can affect you during settlement negotiations. You should also refrain from posting on social media until the case concludes. The insurance company will hunt for things to use against you that can result in less compensation.
Hire a personal injury attorney: Personal injury lawyers have training and experience in various accident claims, including car and truck accidents, premises liability cases, slip and fall, and product defects. Hiring an experienced lawyer is the best way to get a complete settlement.