How to Maximize Your Car Accident Claim

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), 4.8 million people in the U.S. sought medical help for motor vehicle-related injuries in 2020. With so many people being injured on the roads, the number of personal injury claims following an accident are also substantial.

Many accident victims are faced with mounting medical bills, loss of earnings due to their inability to return to work, and other unexpected costs. If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident as a result of someone else’s negligence you could be entitled to compensation from the person or entity that is liable for your injuries. By following the steps outlined in this article you can ensure your car accident claim is settled quickly with you receiving the maximum amount for your injuries.

Report Your Accident

You can help to support your claim by reporting your accident and your injuries to the police as soon as possible. Depending on the nature of the accident and its severity, police officers may be called to the scene immediately, detailing the accident and the people and vehicles involved, and taking statements from any eye witnesses who were present at the time.

This report will be accessible to the public upon request and can serve as valuable evidence from a reliable and impartial third party who can verify and support your claim. Most importantly, it may make reference to or draw conclusions as to the cause of the accident, helping to substantiate your claim by attributing fault to the other party.

Seek Medical Attention

By seeking medical attention promptly following your accident you can assess the extent of your injuries and establish that they were directly caused as a result of the accident. This is important to help rebut any claims from the other party or their insurer that your injuries were pre-existing, so they should not be held responsible for paying out on your claim.

Medical evidence which supports the claim that your injuries were attributable to your accident will reduce the chances of any dispute or denial as to the cause of such injuries, making it easier for you to be compensated for any related losses.

 
It is important to keep copies of your medical expenses such as any prescription and over-the-counter drugs, surgeries, therapies and rehabilitation costs, and any medical equipment such as wheelchairs or crutches. This information will be taken into account by the insurance adjusters when determining your settlement.

List Your Costs and Losses

In addition to medical costs, make sure to list other ancillary costs you have had to bear as a result of your accident. These could include the following:
- Lost wages from time off work
- Modifications made to your home
- Travel costs to and from medical appointments due to your inability to drive or walk
- Money and time spent by family and friends assisting you with household chores, cooking, gardening or buying groceries.
- Financial losses such as unused gym memberships or other activities and subscriptions you already paid for but can no longer undertake.

By following the advice in this article you will improve your chances of negotiating a fair outcome which entitles you to receive the settlement you deserve.