When you’ve been injured in a car wreck or another accident that wasn’t your fault, the process of pursuing fair compensation for your losses can be daunting.
Whether you ultimately settle your claim (which most people do) or end up in litigation, the entire process can be both challenging and lengthy. So, aside from getting comprehensive medical care for your injuries, what can you do to maximize your potential outcome? Consider these tips:
Keep detailed records
Keep track of all expenses related to your injury, including medical bills, lost wages and any other expenses – even transportation costs to and from your appointments or physical therapy. The dollar amount of your economic losses can factor heavily into your final award, so every dollar counts.
Document everything
Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries and any damage to property. Also, keep a “pain journal” of your symptoms and track the process of your recovery. Your pain and suffering absolutely do have value, so the more clearly you document your struggles as you recover, the better.
Don’t rush to settle
The insurance company may offer you a quick settlement – but that first offer is typically much lower than it should be. Sometimes the insurance company is simply trying to give themselves room to negotiate, but most of the time they’re hoping that you won’t understand your claim’s true value.
Stay off social media
The insurance company absolutely will try to comb through your social media to see if they can find a way to devalue your claim. Posting even a photo of an anniversary dinner could be enough for them to say, “See? You weren’t in so much pain that you couldn’t eat out, celebrate the occasion and smile for the camera!”
Remember: Despite what the insurance company would like you to think, you do have more control over your situation than you probably realize. Putting your faith in experienced legal guidance (not the insurance company) is ultimately the best route.