Car accidents are an unfortunate part of life. As cautious as we may try to be behind the wheel, other drivers may not be as attentive. Distracted or intoxicated drivers may fail to brake appropriately, leading to a collision and causing painful injuries. If you have sustained an injury due to another driver’s negligent or reckless behavior, you have the right to pursue compensation to assist with the costly medical bills, lost wages, and other unanticipated expenses stemming from the incident. While California does not require car crash victims to work with an attorney to file an accident claim, working with an experienced personal injury attorney is the best way to maximize your settlement offer. Let’s take a look at some strategies to ensure you get the most out of your auto accident injury claim and secure the compensation you need to support your physical, emotional, and financial recovery.
A Strong Claim Begins at the Scene of the Crash
The aftermath of an auto accident can be chaotic and disorienting. However, you can take steps right away that will increase your chances of filing a successful claim later on. First, assess yourself and others at the scene for injuries requiring immediate medical attention. Call for an ambulance if necessary, and gather the contact and insurance information from the other parties involved in the accident. You should also notify local law enforcement of the accident—the responding officer will compile a police report that documents the circumstances of the crash and includes witness statements that shed light on the events contributing to the collision. When you move forward with your insurance claim, you can request a copy of the police report to support your assertion that the other party’s actions led to your injuries.
Seeking a Medical Evaluation
Even if you do not believe your injuries are severe enough to justify immediate medical attention, you should schedule a visit with a doctor within the next few days. The doctor can look for any harder-to-detect conditions, such as internal bleeding or traumatic brain injuries, which often do not exhibit obvious symptoms. Additionally, the documentation from this visit will show insurance companies that you took your injuries seriously. These notes from a medical professional will illustrate the nature and extent of your injuries, showing how much the accident interfered with your ability to work or perform daily tasks. It’s essential that you follow through with follow-up appointments to demonstrate that you are making your health and physical recovery a priority.
Quantifying Other Aspects of Your Recovery
Calculating how much money you need to support your physical recovery is pretty straightforward—you can use the medical bills and receipts for the medications or physical therapy services prescribed by your doctor to assist with your recovery. However, suffering an auto accident injury often has repercussions that go beyond bodily injury. If you’ve developed anxiety, depression, insomnia, or other conditions triggered by the stress of the traumatic incident, you have the right to seek compensation for these issues as well. Enlisting the assistance of an experienced Riverside County attorney is the best way to understand how much compensation you may be entitled to recover. Together, you can evaluate the multiple ways in which the accident has impacted your quality of life and take steps to secure the compensation you need to get your life back on track.
Negotiating With the Insurance Company
One of the most frustrating aspects of pursuing an auto accident claim is dealing with insurance companies. Even if an insurance adjuster claims to be “on your side,” you should recognize that their loyalty lies in saving the company as much money as possible. They will often use tactics to get you to admit fault in an effort to deny you the total worth of your claim. While California does not require you to work with an attorney to pursue an auto accident claim, doing so is highly recommended—especially during this phase of the process. The last thing most car accident victims want to deal with during their recovery is handling contentious negotiations with insurance adjusters. Instead of wading through this stressful process on your own, entrust your attorney with this task. You can rest easier knowing that your lawyer will work hard to maximize your settlement offer.
Trusted Legal Guidance When You Need it Most
There are countless benefits to working with a trusted and experienced Riverside County auto accident lawyer. Your attorney knows how to navigate conversations and negotiations with insurance companies to maximize your settlement offer. They can also assess the initial settlement offer to determine whether you are entitled to a greater amount of compensation. If so, they will push for a more equitable and favorable settlement offer to ensure you have the financial resources you need to support your recovery. Let your attorney advocate for your best interests while you continue to focus on what matters most—your physical recovery.
If you need help securing compensation following an auto accident injury in Temecula or Murrieta, call Hales & Associates, A Professional Law Corporation, at (951) 489-3320 today.