How To Get Compensated After a Car Accident? Follow These Helpful Guidelines

If you have ever been involved in a car accident, then you know that the toughest part is working with insurance companies and trying to settle for the injuries and damages you suffered. It is a well-known fact that insurance companies will try to settle your case for the lowest possible amount. However, it is your right to expect the case to be settled for fair compensation that will help you go through the recovery process.

Following the accident, you will most certainly have to pay for medical costs, car repair, or even a new car, and any additional costs depending on the case. You will probably not be able to deal with this on your own. Therefore, the wisest and best way to maximize your compensation is by hiring a lawyer who will negotiate the compensation you are entitled to and deal with the process you know little about. By bearing this in mind, we have prepared a short guide on how to get compensated after a car accident. 

Get Compensated After a Car Accident

Hire the Lawyer

The shortest way to make claims for full compensation post-accident is by hiring the lawyer responsible for your region. For example, if you live in the Pennington or Lawrenceville areas, local car accident attorneys will negotiate the highest possible compensation and will skillfully avoid the insurance company’s tactics to settle as soon as possible and for the lowest possible compensation. According to a Pennington car accident lawyer sometimes you cannot simply negotiate a settlement but need to file a lawsuit as well.

By filing your lawsuit right away, you are putting pressure on the insurance company. It is important to mention that, after the accident, you will be contacted by the negligent driver’s insurance company, and it is crucial not to give any information or records that can be used against you. Thus, you should give this information exclusively in the presence of your legal representatives or let them handle the entire thing. 

A Complete Investigation 

A thorough investigation after your accident can resolve so many mysteries. So, it is crucial not to leave your accident scene empty-handed. Usually, the accident scene hides all the evidence that may resolve your case and help you claim the highest compensation. Therefore, you should be dedicated to getting all the contact information of the accident witnesses and others who were involved. Also, police records play a very important role when it comes to settling your insurance claims.

Namely, these records contain all the details recorded at the crash scene, which can be used as the basis for justifying your compensation claims. So, if there was a police officer at the crash scene, try to get a copy of the crash scene record. 

Get the Photos of the Crash Scene 

Getting photos of all the important things at the crash scene is another important step. If you are involved in a car crash without injuries that may be life-threatening, then you should take photos of the accident. You should focus especially on the car damage and your own injuries. These photos may serve as an important piece of evidence when claiming your compensation. 

Do Not Release Any Medical Information to the Other’s Insurance Company

This is among the most common mistakes. It enables the other party’s insurance company to use your medical records against you. With access to your medical records, the other party may find things they may benefit from. However, if your injuries worsen during this period, it is smart to keep the adjuster informed about ongoing changes and the seriousness of your injuries. In case your injuries get severe, then your lawyer must keep the adjusters updated.

Keep the Bills Related to the Accident 

By collecting these, you will have additional proof of your damage. Keep the bills for medical aid, drugs, car repairs, medical bills, and all other additional costs that may occur along the way. 

Do Not Let Insurance Companies Settle Right Away 

Even though it may be really tempting, this is not a smart move. There are many reasons why you should not give in to their offers. Firstly, some injuries worsen after some time. Settling immediately will not allow you to claim compensation for the additional medical expenses. Secondly, there are additional costs you cannot anticipate that occur along the way. By keeping the receipts for these, you will be able to claim the compensation. If you settle for the immediate and usually lowest compensation, you will not be able to refund the money you gave afterward. 

Car accidents are stressful in and of themselves, not to mention the processes that follow them. However, by knowing a couple of things that may protect you from insurance companies’ pressuring you into settling for the lowest compensation, you will be able to claim the full compensation for the costs you had to pay post-accident.