Serious injuries sustained from motor vehicle accidents in Columbia can lead to sudden disruption and distress in your life. These injuries cause severe physical pain and emotional effects. You may suffer financial challenges and the stress associated with them. Sometimes, the costs of repairing your damaged vehicle are not covered. Likewise, even if you have health insurance, huge deductibles and copays may need to be covered. Also, you may suffer lost wages because of missed work.
In such cases, obtaining a quick claim settlement from the at-fault party’s insurer can be a major relief to you and your loved ones. Securing a fair settlement can help you towards physical, financial, and emotional recovery. But you need to be careful as insurers lie to settle claims as quickly as possible. But for you, this means settling your case without adequate preparation and knowledge of your claim’s full value. This is where working with a personal injury attorney at the Call & Gentry Personal Injury Law Firm is important. Your attorney will guide you through each of the following steps to maximize your settlement:
Seek Medical Attention
To make the most out of your personal injury case, see a doctor as soon as possible after a car accident. Even if you feel fine, getting examined by a doctor is important. Some injuries, like traumatic brain injuries and whiplash, may not show immediate symptoms. However, these injuries can have serious long-term consequences. Thus, seeking immediate medical attention following an accident can make sure you get the necessary treatments and avoid possible health complications.
Thoroughly Document Your Damages
Keep in mind that the insurance provider of the other party will not take your work for your damages’ value. You need to give them evidence of all the costs incurred because of the accident, including property damage, medical expenses, and lost wages. Thus, it is important to keep bills and receipts associated with the accident and document the wages you lost because of your injuries. Photos of your injuries and property damage can also support your claim.
Documenting your damages means giving solid evidence of how the accident has cost you. You can use the documentation to negotiate a reasonable settlement with the insurance provider of the other party. Also, you can use it in court if settlement negotiations fail and you need to take your case to trial.
Hire a Skilled Lawyer
A personal injury lawyer can be an important ally who can help you determine ways to increase your settlement. Here’s what they can do for your claim:
- Investigate and collect evidence. A skilled lawyer will investigate the accident and collect crucial evidence such as eyewitness statements, medical records, accident scene analysis, and other related documents. These pieces of evidence allow your attorney to establish the other party’s liability and the extent of your damages.
- Identify liable parties. Sometimes, there may be more than one party responsible for a car accident and your damages. These parties can include the other driver, a vehicle or parts manufacturer, or a third party that maintains the road. Your lawyer can identify all possible liable parties and pursue financial compensation from each of them to maximize your settlement.
- Negotiate with the insurer. Insurers will try to settle your case for as little money as possible. Your lawyer can negotiate with the insurer to make sure you get reasonable compensation for all your damages and injuries.
- Represent you at trial. If the insurer refuses to settle your claim outside of court, your attorney can take your case to trial and represent you there. While this can be a lengthy and costly process, this may be the best way to recover the compensation you are entitled to. Your lawyer can prepare you for the trial and work to obtain the full compensation possible.