The aftermath of a car accident can be intense. So can the injuries that come with it. You may need insurance to cover the cost of medical treatment and time away from work. Sadly, insurance companies will often do anything to deny you that coverage. If that happens to you, you may need to file a lawsuit to get your insurer to cooperate.
Why people file a car accident lawsuit
Filing a lawsuit after a car accident is often necessary to secure the financial compensation you need. After an accident, you may face burdensome costs like:
- Medical bills
- Property damage/repair costs
- Lost income due to the inability to work
By pursuing a claim, you are asserting your right to damages after suffering losses due to the careless actions of another.
Tactics insurance companies use to make lowball settlements
Insurance companies employ various strategies to offer settlements that are less than what you deserve. They might:
- Deny liability
- Downplay injuries
- Attribute your injuries to a pre-existing condition
- Try to blame you for the accident
- Significantly delay payouts for damages
They may also try to contact you right after the accident to settle as quickly as possible. They do this because they know you are in a vulnerable position and may be more willing to accept any settlement, even if it’s well below what you deserve.
How much can you get out of a car accident claim?
According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average auto liability claim for bodily injury was $18,41. Additionally, Nolo says that settlements for personal injury cases can vary widely. Factors like the severity of injuries and who is primarily at fault for the accident can determine the final amount.
How you can make the most of your auto accident claim
To maximize your car accident claim, it’s crucial to:
- Seek medical attention: Having sound evidence of an injury related to your accident from a certified medical professional is vital.
- Gather all relevant documentation: These can include medical records, police reports and witness statements.
- Carefully navigate conversations with insurers: Many use tactics to try and provide you with the lowest payment possible.
- Hire an attorney: Consider negotiating or seeking professional help to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Following these steps can help you build a strong case for the damages you deserve.
Hiring a car accident attorney is often worth it
Hiring professional help for your car accident claim can be worthwhile. Typically, there are no upfront fees, and the representative takes a percentage of the settlement, incentivizing them to maximize your compensation. Our attorneys have extensive experience standing up for those injured in accidents, and also have represented the defense. This gives our team insights most other attorneys don’t have – the way the other side thinks. If you have been injured in an accident, reach out to our car accident attorneys to learn how to maximize your compensation.