Car accidents can cause tremendous physical and emotional distress, and the financial repercussions can also be brutal. While your medical expenses get out of hand, you’re also likely missing a lot of time from work. Fortunately, you can always maximize the value of your car accident settlement.
Here are five ways our car accident attorneys in San Diego ensure that you can recover the most compensation:
Tip #1 – Don’t Accept the First Offer
We understand that you’re in a tough spot financially. You’ve got to pay off your medical bills and settle all the other damages caused by the accident. However, you should never accept the first offer you receive from the insurance company because it likely won’t cover what your claim is worth.
You should also compare the offer to what you believe is the amount of compensation you deserve. Sometimes, insurance companies will submit an outrageously low offer to see if you know what you’re doing. It’s always advised that you do a little more bargaining to obtain a settlement amount that you believe is fair. Remember, you’ve got leverage when you’re not the at-fault driver.
Tip #2 – Know What Affects Your Settlement
Many different factors can significantly impact the value of your personal injury claim. It’s always advised that you learn how to calculate the damages caused by the accident. Here’s an overview of what affects your settlement:
- The severity/extent of your injuries
- Loss of wages and future work opportunities
- Property damage
- Your age and overall health
- Pain and suffering caused by the accident
Your goal should be to determine the approximate amount of your settlement in advance. This way, you’ll have a point of reference when you initiate negotiations with the insurance company.
Tip #3 – Gather as Much Evidence as Possible
You have to gather evidence and other relevant information to strengthen your case. Remember, you’re trying to prove that the negligent driver is responsible for causing your injuries. Listed below are different types of evidence that will support your personal injury claim:
- Accident/police report
- Photographs and videos of the scene
- Medical bills and healthcare records
- Witness statements
- Financial documents
Most attorneys will request a great deal of evidence from you when they take on your personal injury claim. You ultimately have to paint a picture of all the harm and suffering that the accident caused you.
Method #4 – Avoid Talking About Your Claim
This one may seem a little overgeneralized, but it still serves as a helpful piece of advice. You ultimately don’t want to say anything that can potentially jeopardize your settlement. We recommend that you never speak with an insurance adjuster directly and avoid talking about your claim on social media.
Method #5 – Know When to Contact an Attorney
Negotiating a settlement with the insurance company can be daunting, so it’s usually better to hire an attorney. Your claim is also valuable if the damages you’re seeking exceed a few thousand dollars. You obviously want to recover all the compensation you deserve, and an experienced attorney can make it happen.
Are you currently pursuing a personal injury claim? The experts at HHJ Trial Attorneys in San Diego can negotiate and obtain a fair settlement on your behalf. Schedule an appointment with us today, and we can immediately begin reviewing your case.
Testimonial from Darth, Injured Car Accident Victim in San Diego
I would like to give HHJ Trial Attorneys, in particular Elliot Jung, Esq., a heartfelt thank you for your help in resolving my accident/injury settlement case. Thank you! Mr. Jung was thorough, professional, and stayed with my case long after I had thought it wasn’t possible. I appreciate the dedication and grant my full recommendation. Job well done, thank you again!
