How to Obtain a Favorable Settlement After an Accident

One of the most unfortunate things that can happen to us is that we are involved in an accident, and then we have to go through the exhausting process of tiring to achieve a fair settlement for our injuries. This will require intensive negotiations with at least one insurance company, and these negotiations can often leave us feeling weary and annoyed at a system that never seems to work in our favor. If this rings a bell, then don't despair, as here you will find a detailed guide on how to obtain a favorable settlement after you have an accident.

It may sound obvious, but it is surprising how many people do not document everything surrounding their accidents. If you are involved in a car crash, it is important to take pictures of the scene, and also to get the details of all the parties involved in the accident. You should also make sure that you go to the nearest hospital immediately to check for any injuries. This is particularly important because if you are injured, you need to be able to link those injuries to the accident, or you may not get an associated payout. If you have an accident at work, make sure this is documented in the health and safety book and reported to the relevant people. If you get injured in the street, make sure you photograph the offending pave stone or tree and inform the local authorities. Basically, you must do all you can to have full documentation for your accident.

Once you have documented everything and sought medical attention, you need to inform your insurance company of all the details and then engage a lawyer. Your lawyer will then act on your behalf while negotiating a settlement between the two insurance companies. Legal experts at KerleySchaffer.com advise that it is vital that you cooperate with your lawyer at every stage and that you give them as much information as possible. You will need to sign a document instructing them to lead the case on a no win no fee basis, which will protect you in the event that your claim is unsuccessful. Be patient, the negotiation phase can take time, but be rest assured that your lawyer will be working as hard as possible as they will want to be paid for their time.

This is the phase that will determine your payout, so it is crucial to assist your lawyer with the negotiations. Never accept the opening offer, as this will be low on purpose. You may be eager to get your hands on your compensation, but patience is a virtue that can pay off. You need to make sure that all future damages are covered in the negotiating phase. For example, you may not be able to work for six months due to your broken arm, so this loss of earnings must be claimed. You will need to work with your doctor and may even need to hire an independent medical examiner who can prove your claims.

Future losses are not the only thing you can claim for. You will need to make sure that you document all of your expenses relating to the claim. If you need multiple trips to the hospital, then keep all transport receipts. If you need a carer to look after you or go to the mall to do your shopping for you, then document it, because these are all claimable costs.

The last thing you want to do is ruin your chances of compensation by saying the wrong thing while your compensation claim is pending. The opposition will be doing all they can to show that your claim is spurious, so don't do anything to jeopardize it. Stay off all forms of social media as this will be monitored, and you may risk posting something that might harm your case. Laying low and cooperating with your legal team is the best way to maximize your settlement. As we have discovered, there are several important steps to take if you want to maximize any settlement after an injury.

Make sure you document everything surrounding the accident and seek medical attention as soon as possible. Work closely with your legal team and negotiate sensibly, making sure you seek damages for future losses as well as all of your expenses surrounding the case. Stay off social media, be patient, and follow these steps, and you will then have the best chance of a favorable settlement after your accident.