Being injured in a car accident can be an overwhelming experience, especially when it comes to dealing with insurance companies downplaying the value of your car accident injury payout. As a seasoned lawyer who previously spent years defending personal injury lawsuits on behalf of insurance companies, I know several methods that can help injury victims maximize their car accident injury settlements.
1. Gather and Send Evidence Of Your Car Accident Injury To The Insurance Company
To potentially maximize your car accident injury settlement, it’s crucial to gather as much evidence as possible and forward it to the insurance company. This includes medical records, bills, photographs of the accident scene, injuries, and property damage. Be sure also to get the contact information of any witnesses to the accident. The more favorable evidence you can provide, the stronger your case will be.
2. Seek Medical Treatment
Seeking medical treatment might seem obvious, but it’s crucial to maintain a consistent record of your treatments post-accident. Don’t miss your therapy appointments and if you’re still experiencing pain or haven’t returned to your pre-accident health status, continue seeking treatment. This not only aids in your recovery, but also provides evidence of the extent of your injuries and their impact on your life.
3. Begin Negotiations With Policy Limits Demand
Don’t undervalue your car accident injury claim. Start your negotiations by demanding the insurance company make an offer for the policy limits. In states like Kentucky, where I practice law, insurance companies aren’t required to disclose their insured’s policy limits. By demanding the policy limits, you force the insurer to either deny the claim, make an offer on your case, or make an offer for the policy limits.
4. Do Not Accept The Insurance Company’s First Offer, Unless It’s A Policy Limits Offer
Based on my experience, the first offer from an insurance company is rarely their best offer—unless it’s a policy limits offer. If the initial offer is below the policy limits, consider continuing negotiations to attain a higher car accident injury payout. If you have a case valued over the policy limits, be cautious not to make any offers below the limits, as it can be challenging to renegotiate an offer for the policy limits at a later date.
5. Hire An Injury Lawyer For Your Car Accident Injury
If the first four tips haven’t given you the success you hoped for, it’s time to consider hiring an injury lawyer. A study by the Insurance Research Council showed that personal injury victims with legal representation received settlements 3.5 times higher on average than those without. An experienced injury lawyer can guide you through the claim process, handle all communications with the insurance company, and help you maximize your case’s value.
We Are Here To Help Car Accident Injury Victims!
Tate Meagher and his team are here to fight for you. Our clients agree that we get the job done. If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident in Kentucky, call us today for a free attorney consultation. We handle car accident injury cases across all of Kentucky, including in Bardstown, Crestwood, Elizabethtown, La Grange, Louisville, Middletown, Mount Washington, Radcliff, Shelbyville, Shepherdsville, Shively, and Simpsonville. Don’t Wait, Call Tate!