How To Maximize Your Car Accident Settlement

A serious car accident with injuries can leave you facing unplanned financial difficulties. Costly medical bills, unpaid leave from work, physical therapy bills, and other expenses can add up quickly. However, if the accident was caused by someone else, you may be eligible to pursue compensation through a car accident claim. Keep in mind, however, that the insurance companies will try to get you to settle your claim for a lowball amount. And once you accept a settlement, you cannot go back and ask for additional funds, even if the original amount is insufficient to cover your current and future medical expenses.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident caused by another driver, you shouldn’t suffer financially as well as physically. We will fight to ensure that doesn’t happen. The car accident attorneys at The Collins Law Firm have the knowledge and experience to maximize the value of your car accident case, so you can stop worrying and start healing. Call us at (630) 527-1595 or fill out our contact form to set up your free consultation today.

After a traffic accident, there are several ways to increase the value of your settlement. 

• Seek prompt medical attention and adhere to your doctor's instructions. Seeking prompt medical attention and following your doctor's instructions are crucial. If you are badly injured, head straight to the hospital in an ambulance. Even if you feel fine initially, some injuries may not manifest until later, so it's important to seek medical attention as soon as you notice symptoms to ensure that any injuries are properly diagnosed and treated. Once you have been seen and diagnosed, follow your doctor’s advice. This is not the time to delay treatment or ignore pain.

  Failing to follow your doctor's instructions can hinder your recovery and be used against you by insurance companies to minimize your claim. They will use your lack of treatment as proof that you are not badly injured. Be sure to keep records of all medical treatment, including doctor's notes and prescriptions.

• Collect evidence and retain relevant documents. Collect as much evidence as possible to support your settlement claim. This includes obtaining contact information from witnesses, taking pictures of the accident scene and any damage to the vehicles, and retaining any relevant documents.

  Keep a copy of the police report, any medical bills or records, receipts for any out-of-pocket expenses, and any correspondence with the insurance company or other parties involved in the accident. Your accident attorney may also request additional information, such as cell phone records or surveillance footage, to help build a strong case.

  It's important to keep all documentation organized and readily accessible, as it may be necessary to refer to it throughout the claims process or in the event of a legal proceeding.

• Avoid direct communication with the insurance company. After a car accident, it's common for the at-fault driver’s insurance company to contact you to gather information and discuss the details. However, it's important to be cautious about speaking with them directly. Insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions that may elicit answers that can be used against you to minimize or deny your claim.

  It's best to avoid direct communication with the insurance company and refer them to your attorney. Your attorney can communicate with the insurance company on your behalf and protect your rights by ensuring that the information provided is accurate and that your claim is not compromised.

• Refrain from posting about the incident on social media. It's important to be mindful of what you post on social media. Even seemingly harmless posts or comments can be used against you by insurance companies or defense attorneys to discredit your claim. It's best to refrain from posting about the accident or your injuries on social media altogether.

  If you need to update friends or family, consider doing so privately or through a phone call or text message. By staying off social media, you can help protect your privacy and the integrity of your case.

• Consult an Illinois car accident attorney at the earliest opportunity. This may be your most important step. Hiring a competent traffic accident lawyer can help you recover 3.5 times more in a settlement than trying to negotiate on your own. Communicate with your legal team, openly and honestly; they are there to help you so listen to their advice and let them negotiate for you.

  Dealing with insurance adjusters can be challenging as they are trained to minimize auto injury claims. The car accident lawyers here at The Collins Law Firm are well-versed in such situations and can anticipate the insurance company's tactics while building a robust claim to secure the best possible settlement offer for our clients.

• Wait for a fair offer instead of accepting the initial one. After a car accident, it's not uncommon for the insurance company to offer a settlement quickly. However, it's important to remember that their initial offer may not be fair or fully cover all the costs associated with the accident. It is usually offered as a negotiating tactic, so don’t be taken in. It's wise to wait and consider all options before accepting any offer. Consulting with an experienced car accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

• Do not leave the accident scene until the police have properly recorded the event and filed a police report with the correct information. If no law enforcement has responded, take the initiative to call them yourself.
• Inform your insurance company immediately to let them know you’ve been in an accident. But do not agree to make any recorded statements or sign any forms until you’ve spoken to an auto accident lawyer.
• If you are not at fault, do not do or say anything that may be construed as you admitting fault or being unsure of fault.
• When communicating with anyone about the accident, make sure to have all supporting documents and be clear about the details you provide. If you are unsure, do not bring it up until you have confirmed.

To avoid financial hardship, maximizing the amount of your settlement is crucial. Our experienced Naperville car accident attorneys know how to do just that. We will never accept a lowball settlement. We will fight to help you recover your expenses and additional money for pain and suffering. And there are no fees unless you win. Call us for a FREE, no-obligation consultation at (630) 527-1595 and see how we can help you maximize your car accident claim.