How Can I Maximize My Car Accident Settlement?

If you are injured in a car accident, the expenses will start to accumulate very quickly, from the cost of repairing your vehicle to the hospital bills and other medical expenses, as well as lost wages if your injury prevents you from being able to return to work. However, if the other motorist was at fault, you may be entitled to financial compensation by filing a personal injury lawsuit against the other driver. An experienced car accident lawyer will assist you.

If you suffered serious injuries, property damage, and other losses in a car accident that the other motorist caused, you may be entitled to financial compensation if you can prove that the other motorist was negligent, that their negligence caused the accident, and that you suffered losses as a result. A successful claim may include the following damages:

  • All medical expenses associated with the accident
  • Future medical expenses
  • Property damage
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of future earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Trauma associated with the accident and the losses you suffered
  • Reduced quality of life

When you are involved in a car accident in Georgia, the moments following the accident can be overwhelming and chaotic, particularly if you suffered serious injuries. If the other motorist was at fault, you will likely be able to recover damages from their insurance company. However, Georgia is a modified comparative fault state, which means that if you are partly at fault for causing the accident, your total damages will be reduced by the percentage of your share of liability. You cannot recover any damages if you are more than 50 percent at fault.

The following tips can help you maximize your car accident settlement.

Call 911

Whenever a car accident involves injuries, the police must be notified as soon as possible. When the officer arrives at the scene, they will make a report about the accident, which may include details that will validate your claim in court, including whether the other driver was responsible for causing the accident. Notify dispatch that injuries are involved so they can send an ambulance to the scene.

Seek Medical Treatment

Even if your injuries seem relatively minor, it is extremely important that you are examined by a medical professional as soon as possible. Some injuries may not be obvious right away, or your symptoms may be masked by the adrenaline coursing through your body in the moments following the accident. A medical professional will be able to diagnose and treat your injuries. In addition, if you fail to seek medical attention, the other motorist’s insurance company may argue that your injuries must not be very serious if you do not find it necessary to seek treatment. This will likely hurt your claim.

Collect Evidence

If you are physically able to do so after the accident, collect as much evidence as possible from the accident scene, including photos of the damage to your vehicle, your injuries, the position of the other vehicle, and any skid marks or debris on the road. In addition, obtain a copy of the police report, and if witnesses saw the accident happen, ask if they would be willing to provide a statement and ask for your contact information. The more evidence you can provide, the more likely you will be able to prove that the other driver was at fault.

Do Not Make a Statement to the Insurance Company

The other motorist’s insurance company will likely contact you and ask questions about the accident and may even present a settlement offer. Insurance companies are making money, so they will use a range of tactics to avoid paying you the settlement you deserve. They may use your own words against you, making it seem you were partially to blame for causing the accident. Often, insurance companies make a lowball settlement offer that may seem like a lot of money. However, this rarely covers the total costs of the accident, particularly if you suffered a serious injury and have substantial medical expenses.

Contact an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer

It is highly recommended that you have a dedicated car accident lawyer who will protect your legal rights, assist you with every step of the claims process, negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, and pursue the maximum financial settlement you deserve. The following are additional examples of how a car accident lawyer can help you with your case:

  • Determine the maximum value of your case.
  • Address any questions and concerns.
  • File paperwork.
  • Ensure that you file your claim within the statute of limitations.
  • Hire expert witnesses and accident reconstructionists when necessary.
  • Communicate with your medical team to gain a comprehensive understanding of your injuries and their effect on your case.
  • Help you avoid common mistakes that can have a negative impact on your case.

Our Savannah Car Accident Lawyers at Kicklighter Pursue Maximum Settlement Outcomes for Car Accident Victims

If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident, do not hesitate to contact our Savannah car accident lawyers at Kicklighter Law. Our skilled legal team will help you navigate the claims process, ensure that your legal rights are protected, and help you recover the maximum damages you are entitled to. We will address your questions and concerns. To schedule a consultation, call us today at 912-754-6003 or contact us online. Located in Springfield, Georgia, we serve clients in Effingham County, Savannah, and the surrounding areas.