Each year accidents cost consumers and insurance companies millions, with victims having little control over determining the outcome of their case. However, there are decisions car accident victims should make during the days after a crash that can ultimately influence the value of their claims. Researching what insurance agencies require and possible outcomes for personal injury cases will give you the best chance at receiving appropriate compensation for your pain and suffering.
However, there can be no 100% guarantee that your injury claim will be granted, but you can certainly increase the chance of a desirable outcome. This article will discuss the necessary documentation needed in order for you to reach a settlement you are content with.
How Do I Negotiate Money From A Car Accident Claim?
Build Your Case
Building your case properly will allow for the most desirable settlement. By following the guideline below, you will be ensuring that you have done everything within your power in order to receive the settlement you are requesting.
- Initiate your claim as soon as possible
- Keep records of everything regarding the accident
- Calculate a settlement
- Produce and send a detailed demand letter to the insurance company
- Do not accept the first offer
- Emphasize the points in your favor
- Get everything in writing
- Know when to hire an attorney
Doing everything necessary to build a case methodically may maximize the damages required for the insurance agency, even if your case never goes to trial.
Get Medical Treatment
It is important to seek medical attention after any accident, even if you are not feeling any pain at the time of the accident. Follow any and all treatment plans, including but not limited to:
- Physical therapy
- Psychological therapy
- Medications
- Medical equipment
The documentation of medical procedures and therapies will allow for the most appropriate and fair settlement agreement. Medical records are some of the most necessary records required to prove any claim of physical injury after a car accident. These records will also allow you to properly total any and all cost, especially any out of pocket expenses.
Keep All Of Your Bills
The more facts you provide, the higher the odds for getting compensation. Keep all documentation for medical care relating to the accident. Including, but not limited to:
- Information on ambulance services
- Emergency services
- Doctors visits
- Hospitalization
- Diagnosis testing
- Medication
- Therapies
Maintaining the appropriate documentation and bills from any and all medical care will allow for a more accurate and fair calculation for your settlement.
Do Not Wait To File Your Claim
Contacting your insurance company immediately after an accident will ensure that your recollection of the events that occurred are as accurate as possible. To help make the claims process as simple and quick as possible, it would be a good idea to have certain information on hand, such as:
- The other driver’s name, address, phone number, and driver’s license number
- The other driver’s insurance company and contact information
- The other driver’s car make and model, license plate number, and brief description
- Where and when the accident took place and any details you can think of
Even if you are not at fault for the accident, you should still contact your insurance company to report the accident. If you fail to do so, you will not be able to use your insurance coverage. You can find the contact information for your insurance company on your insurance card.
How Much Money Can You Get From An Injury Claim?
Calculating An Amount For Your Claim
Insurance agencies describe your losses by using the term “damages”. By calculating your different types of damages (special and general), you will be able to determine an appropriate amount for your pain and suffering.
Special damage amounts will include the total amounts from the following:
- Any and all medical bills
- Any and all out of pocket expenses, including medications and transportation fees for medical purposes
- Lost or damaged personal items
- Past and future lost wages from your job
- Replacement costs, such as childcare, while you were incapacitated
General damage amounts will include the total amounts from the following:
- Anxiety and depression
- Sleep deprivation
- Concentration issues
- Emotional distress
- Physical aches and pains
- PTSD
Once you have totaled your special damages, multiply the amount by 2 for a fair estimate of your general damages.
Demand Letter
Once you have calculated, or you and your attorney, what you think the claim should be worth, write a simple and to the point demand letter to the insurance company. Include descriptive information regarding the following:
- The car accident itself
- Any and all injuries you sustained
- Any and all medical treatment you received
- Any and all health issues you now have
- The amount of damage your vehicle sustained
- Any and all other losses you experienced due to the car accident
It is important to remember to include how much money you are demanding as a result of the car accident and your current circumstances. You should also keep in mind that insurance companies will most likely reply with a much lower offer than what you have requested, so it is ideal to demand a much higher amount than what you will be willing to settle for. It is imperative to have the proper evidence and documentation to back up any and all information you put in your demand letter. Any lack of evidence could cost you the settlement offer you deserve.
What Is The Average Settlement For A Car Accident With Injury?
Present Value
While the average settlement value of a case regarding personal injury in a car accident in the United States is around $19,000, you may still be entitled to more compensation based on your injuries and expenses. Keep in mind to calculate all of your damages and hire an attorney in order to have the best chance at receiving proper compensation. Do your research and keep everything filed for your attorney to ease the process.
Do Not Accept The First Offer
It is important to remember that the number one priority of any insurance company representative is to ensure a maximum profit, which will result in them trying to pay you as little as possible for your personal injury claim after an accident. The first offer will most likely be way below what you are willing to settle for and might be a way for the insurance company to gauge your knowledge on what your claim is actually worth. Accepting the first offer could cheat you out of the maximum compensation for your pain and suffering. By making the other side believe you are willing to take the case as far as it takes to receive the highest compensation, you are placing yourself in the best position to get exactly what you would be willing to settle for.
Conclusion
Most of the complaints are resolved out of court. In most cases people are more willing to help with the settlement of their claim if you are fair honest and clear. You need to be able to clearly show liability and records of all injuries to be settled. Receive medical attention and remember to go to every appointment. File all bills and totals in order to obtain the highest settlement you are owed. If you have any questions regarding your case, speak with your attorney.