Determining how to get more money from a car accident settlement depends on several key factors, from meeting legal deadlines to understanding how fault laws apply. The following guide will help you navigate the process, with advice from our experienced attorneys at Floyd Hunter Injury Law.
- Seek Immediate Medical Treatment and Follow the Doctor’s Orders
- Document All Damages Thoroughly
- Hire an Attorney To Maximize Your Settlement
- Negotiate: Don’t Settle for the First Offer
- File Your Lawsuit on Time
- Understand How Fault Affects Your Settlement
- Stay Off Social Media During Your Case
- What To Do if the Other Driver Is Uninsured
- Contact Floyd Hunter Injury Law To Get the Most from Your Settlement
Seek Immediate Medical Treatment and Follow the Doctor’s Orders
After a car accident, it’s important to seek immediate medical treatment for both your well-being and your case. Delaying treatment can weaken your claim, as the insurance company may argue that your injuries aren’t as serious as you claim. By following your doctor’s recommendations, attending all medical appointments, and keeping track of your treatment, you create a strong record that supports your case when dealing with the insurance adjuster. This is one of the first and most important steps in getting the settlement you may deserve.
Document All Damages Thoroughly
One of the best ways to help ensure a strong claim is to keep thorough documentation of all damages. Proof of damages is required for medical expenses, lost wages, vehicle repairs, and other costs related to the accident.
Keep all records of your expenses, including hospital bills, repair invoices, and any other receipts related to the accident. These documents are vital when negotiating your settlement, as they provide concrete evidence of your losses.
In addition to financial documentation, it’s important to maintain a personal injury journal that details how the accident has affected your life. Note your pain levels, emotional distress, and any limitations caused by your injuries. This journal can help support your case when calculating pain and suffering, a factor that can significantly impact the amount of your settlement.
Accounting for All Damages: Physical, Financial, and Emotional
A comprehensive settlement should account for all damages, including your immediate medical costs, lost wages, and non-economic damages such as emotional distress and physical pain. Alabama law allows for these various types of compensation, and our attorneys will ensure that each area is fully considered in your claim.
- Pain and Suffering: Pain and suffering refers to the physical and emotional distress you’ve experienced as a result of the accident. While calculating pain and suffering can be complex, it often represents a significant portion of your settlement. Our team at Floyd Hunter Injury Law can help you determine what compensation may be appropriate in your case.
- Medical Expenses: Include all medical treatments related to your injuries, such as hospital visits, surgeries, medication, and ongoing care like physical therapy. Be sure to consider future medical needs, as these should be factored into your settlement as well.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries caused you to miss work, you can claim compensation for lost wages. Additionally, if your ability to work in the future has been affected, you may be entitled to recover compensation for lost earning potential. Our attorneys can help you calculate the full extent of these damages.
Hire an Attorney To Maximize Your Settlement
Handling a car accident claim on your own can result in a much lower settlement than what you may deserve. Hiring an attorney will help ensure that your rights are protected and that you’re not pressured into accepting less than what your claim is worth.
Insurance companies may offer a quick settlement, but often, these offers are far below what you truly deserve. Don’t settle without a lawyer—having an attorney on your side will ensure that all aspects of your claim are addressed and that you are fully informed before agreeing to any offers.
Our car accident lawyers understand the tactics that insurance companies use to minimize payouts. We will handle all communication and negotiation, allowing you to focus on your recovery. Our goal is to help ensure you receive the full compensation you are entitled to for your injuries and losses.
Negotiate: Don’t Settle for the First Offer
Insurance companies often offer low settlements initially, hoping that you will accept quickly. It’s important to be patient and allow your attorney to handle the negotiation process.
Before signing any documents or accepting a settlement offer, consult your attorney. Once you sign, you may be waiving your rights to pursue additional compensation, even if your injuries worsen. At Floyd Hunter Injury Law, we handle these negotiations to help ensure you are not taken advantage of.
Insurance companies expect some negotiation, and they are usually willing to offer a higher settlement to avoid going to court. With the right legal guidance, you can often secure a much better outcome through patience and strategic negotiation.
File Your Lawsuit on Time
Alabama law sets a strict 2-year statute of limitations for filing a car accident lawsuit. This means you must file within 2 years of the accident, or you may lose your right to seek compensation.
Missing the 2-year deadline can have serious consequences, preventing you from recovering any compensation. Our attorneys will manage the filing process, ensuring that all deadlines are met so your suit is protected.
Understand How Fault Affects Your Settlement
Alabama follows a “contributory negligence” rule, which can have a significant impact on your settlement. If you are found even slightly at fault for the accident, you may be barred from recovering any compensation.
Even being 1% responsible for the accident can prevent you from recovering damages. Our team will work to minimize any fault attributed to you, helping ensure that your settlement is not jeopardized by contributory negligence.
Stay Off Social Media During Your Case
It’s common for insurance companies to monitor social media accounts during the claims process. Posting about your accident or your activities can negatively affect your settlement, as insurers may use your posts to argue that your injuries aren’t as serious as claimed.
Even harmless posts can be taken out of context and used against you. To protect your claim, it’s best to avoid posting anything related to your accident or injuries until your case is resolved.
What To Do if the Other Driver Is Uninsured
If the at-fault driver is uninsured, you may still have options for recovering compensation. Uninsured motorist coverage can provide compensation for injuries and damages caused by an uninsured driver.
If the other driver lacks insurance, you can file a claim under your own uninsured motorist policy. Our attorneys can help you explore all options for recovery, including legal action against the uninsured driver if necessary.
Contact Floyd Hunter Injury Law To Get the Most from Your Settlement
At Floyd Hunter Injury Law, we are committed to helping clients receive the compensation they may deserve. Knowing how to get more money from a car accident settlement can be complicated, but we are here to guide you every step of the way.
Our team will handle every aspect of your case, from dealing with the insurance adjuster to negotiating the highest settlement possible. While past results do not guarantee future outcomes, our proven track record shows our commitment to obtaining the best results for our clients. Contact us today to discuss your case and learn how we can help you get the most from your car accident settlement.
