Tips For Maximizing Your Auto Accident Settlement in Southern California

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If you’ve suffered an auto accident injury in Temecula or Murrieta, you have the right to seek compensation to support your recovery. Contact a dedicated personal injury attorney today to learn more.

The majority of car accidents are unexpected, seemingly coming out of nowhere. It’s natural to feel disoriented and confused right after the impact. Car accidents can cause severe injuries that need expensive and extensive medical interventions and often require lengthy recovery periods. In addition to losing out on wages while you focus on your physical recovery, you may struggle with the medical bills and other treatment costs associated with the injuries. In Southern California, auto accident victims have the right to seek compensation to help cover these unanticipated expenses. Even though you may feel intimidated by the auto accident claim process, it’s essential to recognize that you do not have to go through this experience alone. Here are a few strategies to help you obtain a fair and favorable outcome to support your physical, emotional, and financial recovery.

Avoid Taking the Blame For the Accident

One of the most significant ways you can maximize your settlement offer is to refrain from admitting fault in any way. Although your natural instinct at the scene may prompt you to express your sympathy to the other injured parties, making statements that the insurance company could interpret as you admitting fault for the accident can weaken your claim. Even seemingly innocuous expressions like “I’m so sorry that happened” can hinder your chances of preparing a successful auto accident claim. At the scene, try to say as little as possible to the other parties involved in the incident. When you speak with insurance adjusters, do not admit fault—even though they may attempt to get you to assume some responsibility for the accident. Trust that the investigation will assess the factors of the accident and determine who is responsible for the incident.

Have Your Injuries Assessed by a Medical Professional

Call for an ambulance right away for injuries requiring immediate medical attention. However, even if you do not believe your injuries are severe enough to warrant medical assessment, you should still schedule an appointment within the next few days. The medical professional can examine your injuries, document important details about the injuries, offer treatment recommendations and look for signs of any less apparent injuries, such as internal bleeding or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Additionally, your visit with your doctor will establish written documentation that you can use to support your accident claim, proving that you took your injuries seriously and followed through on any recommended therapies or treatment plans. The insurance adjuster assigned to your claim will see the physical and financial impact of your injuries, increasing your chances of obtaining the compensation you’re owed.

Gather Evidence at the Scene of the Accident

Aside from seeking medical attention for severe injuries, one of the most important steps you should take at the scene of a car accident is to gather contact information and other relevant evidence that can shed light on the factors contributing to your injuries. Contact law enforcement so the responding officer can compile a police report, which provides an objective overview of the details surrounding the incident. This police report will likely help to strengthen and validate your auto accident claim. Additionally, make sure to gather the name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, and insurance information from the other parties involved in the accident. Take down the contact information of any witnesses who may be willing to provide details to support your claim. If possible, take photographs of the scene or your injuries, as this evidence can strengthen your auto accident claim.

Push For a More Favorable Settlement Offer

Most car accident victims in Riverside County want to secure the compensation they need to pay off the expensive medical bills, lost wages, and other unanticipated costs as soon as possible. Unfortunately, insurance companies usually try to use this eagerness to their advantage by making an initial lowball settlement offer to claimants, hoping that they will accept the offer out of desperation. However, taking this lowball offer can prevent you from receiving the total amount of compensation you deserve. If possible, consider responding to this offer and negotiating a more favorable settlement; most insurance companies are usually willing to work with you to arrive at a more favorable settlement amount to avoid the stress and costs of litigation.

Contact a Skilled Temecula Auto Accident Attorney

Auto accident injuries can complicate your life in dramatic and devastating ways. However, you do not have to go through your physical, emotional, and economic recovery alone. Reaching out to a knowledgeable and experienced Riverside County auto accident attorney can give you the reassurance and confidence you need to seek and obtain the compensation you deserve. Your attorney will answer your questions, address your concerns, and push for the best possible outcome to ensure you have the financial support you need to rebuild your life.

 

If you need help pursuing compensation following an auto accident injury in Temecula or Murrieta, call Hales & Associates, A Professional Law Corporation, today at (951) 489-3320 to speak with a dedicated personal injury attorney.

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