Dollars and Sense: 11 Steps to Maximizing Your Car Accident Settlement

A car accident is very stressful and introduces a number of unpleasant realities: pain and disability, as well as financial problems, to name a few. Follow these 11 steps in the first few days after your accident to protect your settlement later on.

# 1: Keep track of all expenses and days lost from work due to your injuries. Your attorney will obtain written documentation from your employer to verify the loss of income. If your injuries prevent you from returning to work or school, ask your doctor for a note confirming that you cannot attend.

# 2: Keep track of the time your friends and family spend caring for you and taking care of your family and household obligations.

# 3: Save all bills and receipts related to your accident. If you don’t save them, you may not be able to prove the amount of your damages. Make sure you save everything: hospital charges, pharmacy bills, therapy bills, and all other bills that you incurred due to your accident. If you buy over-the-counter pain relievers, heating pads, crutches, clothing to cover casts or braces, or similar items, you may be able to recoup these expenses.

# 4: Know all your injuries. Accident injuries may not become symptoms for days, even weeks. As a result, in the days after your accident, you should avoid describing your injuries to the claims adjuster.

# 5: Don’t ignore the emotional cost of an accident. If you have flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, fear, or sleep disturbances, you could benefit from a psychological evaluation. Ask your doctor for a referral. If your doctor or family members suggest this type of treatment, accept it.

# 6: Keep a journal of your experiences. Record sleepless nights, pain relief needs, and limitations in your usual activities. Make a note of any special events, hobbies, or outings that you missed due to the accident.

# 7: Know your sources of insurance coverage. Often times, an accident victim can legitimately benefit from multiple insurance policies simultaneously. However, many accident victims do not know where to look for various insurance coverage. Your attorney will help you determine if you can charge over more than one policy.

We know that some of these steps can be difficult if you are injured … A personal injury attorney can relieve you of most of the burden by taking responsibility for many of these tasks.

# 8: Follow your doctor’s orders until your doctor determines that you are discharged. Many people stop going to the doctor before the doctor releases them from treatment. Your doctor knows the complications that could result from your injury. The type of injury can be complex, and just because you are no longer in pain does not mean that your injuries have completely healed. If you are referred for treatment with a therapist that is not covered by OHIP, your own insurance company may pay for the service. Your attorney can help you access these benefits.

# 9: Consider and be prepared to sue if the settlement offer is not fair. Once your rehabilitation is complete, prepare to file your legal claim.

Insurance companies are generally serious about resolving your claim if they see that they will have to start paying attorneys to defend your claim.

# 10: Ask a qualified and experienced personal injury trial attorney to evaluate your case. He probably had a doctor evaluate his injuries. Don’t you think it’s sensible for a legal professional to evaluate your potential legal claim? An experienced personal injury trial attorney can help you by reviewing your file. He / she will carefully review the police report, doctor’s statements, therapy bills, time lost from work, and other information. Then he / she can give you an informed opinion on the estimated value of your case. If you would like us to evaluate your case, please do not hesitate to call us.

# 11: If you decide to hire an attorney, choose one who is not afraid to go to court. Insurance companies and their attorneys keep an eye on plaintiff-side attorneys. They know which lawyers will take them to court: the combatants. And they know which lawyers will not go to court: the settlers. The fighters often get more money for their clients than the settlers. Take the time to review your situation with an experienced accident attorney.