Victims of car accidents need strong claims to maximize their recovery. Understand your injuries, settlement tactics, and how to deal with the insurance company.
Millions of Americans each year visit the hospital as a result of car crash injuries. In fact, these injuries total a whopping $18 billion in medical costs over the course of one’s life.
More than 2.5 million Americans end up in the emergency room every year because of car accident injuries. Crash injuries are responsible for $18 billion in lifetime medical costs.
Car wrecks are the number one cause of personal injury cases across the US. Resulting injuries can take a broad range, from minor bumps and whiplash, to broken bones, deep cuts, disability and even death.
When you are hurt in a car wreck that someone else caused, you have the right to fair and just compensation for hospital and doctor bills, income loss, pain and suffering, and more.
The vast majority of personal injury claims are made against the at-fault driver’s insurance company. If the at-fault driver was illegally driving uninsured, you can find coverage under your own policy via an uninsured motorist claim. When injuries are severe or for complicated claims, you may have to file a lawsuit.
No matter the situation, your recovery will require forming a strong case. Below, find out how to increase compensation received for car crash personal injuries.
From impact forward, start building your claim by understanding what it takes to prove fault and strategies for dealing with the insurance company.
10 TIPS TO MAXIMIZE COMPENSATION
- If you are able, take photographs at the scene of the collision. Include photographs of all vehicles involved, as well as the scene as a whole.
- Do not speak to the other driver about the facts surrounding the crash. While you may want to check on the injuries of all involved, do not say anything that could be used against you later like “I am sorry this happened” or “I did not even see you.”
- Call the police. Every. Single. Time. Make sure you make note of the police report number provided by the investigating officer. No matter what, call the police following a car crash. This is the strongest proof possible that a collision actually occurred. Do not let the other driver talk you out of calling the police or make any special arrangements with them.
- If any witnesses stop at the scene of the collision, ask them if they saw the crash. If so, write down their names, phone number, and address in case there is a dispute as to who is at fault later. Witness statements can be vital to establishing the other driver is at fault.
- Seek medical treatment immediately. Do not assume that you are “fine” and “just shaken up” following a collision. Very often, your adrenaline has skyrocketed following a car crash, masking aches and pains. It is important to seek medical treatment immediately, not days later.
- When seeking medical treatment, do not underestimate any aches and pains anywhere in your body. Make sure you list each and everything that is bothering you to the physician or nurse examining you. Your medical records are your paper-trail and it is important to build a strong record of your injuries so the insurance company assigns proper value to them.
- Follow your medical provider’s instructions closely, seek physical therapy and/or follow up treatment if recommended, keep all future appointments, and let your provider know if your injuries are not getting better. Stay vigilant.
- Notify the insurance companies of all cars involved. In many states, it is the insurance company of the vehicle you were in that provides up-front medical bill coverage. Be sure to get a claim number from each insurance company, as this is what you will use to reference your claim when you call.
- Keep all receipts received from any additional charges that you incur as a result of the car crash. Examples include pharmacy receipts, ride-sharing receipts (i.e. Uber or Lyft), hospital bills, etc. These will be provided to the insurance company to help prove your damages.
- Be wary of giving a recorded statement. While you might be obligated to give a statement to your own insurer, avoid if possible giving a statement to the other driver’s insurance company. They will likely ask you many questions in different ways and may be recording the conversation to use later against you. You have the right to consult with an attorney before giving a statement.