Navigating Insurance Companies: Tips for Maximizing Your Personal Injury Settlement
Obtaining maximum compensation after a car accident, slip and fall, or other injury-causing accident is a priority for many injured victims. While settlement money does help with medical bills, property damage, and lost wages caused by an accident, financial compensation from a settlement is about more than that. Receiving a fair settlement amount provides the closure and justice that are often necessary for the healing process.
Here are some tips for getting the most out of the settlement negotiation process.
Obtain the Appropriate Medical Treatment
The top priority after an accident is seeking medical attention. If you need emergency medical treatment, that is the only thing you should focus on until you are stable and well enough to concentrate on the next steps.
Not only is obtaining medical care crucial for your physical recovery, but it is also a critical element of your personal injury case. Your entire claim can be jeopardized if you do not obtain treatment or attend follow-up appointments.
Know What Your Car Accident Claim Is Worth
Before you accept any personal injury settlement offer, you must know what your claim is worth. A final settlement should include the value of your existing medical bills, future medical expenses, property damage, lost income, and any other personal expenses caused by the accident.
In Georgia, personal injury claims most often include special and general damages. Special damages, sometimes referred to as economic damages, include actual losses or easily calculable expenses or costs, such as:
- Medical expenses
- Property repair or replacement
- Missed work and lost wages
- Home renovations and other expenses for disability accommodations
General damages, or non-economic damages, are more difficult to place a monetary value on. They include losses like emotional anguish, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Punitive damages are a third but rare possibility in Georgia personal injury claims. They are intended not to reimburse or compensate a victim for their losses but to punish the at-fault party for their actions. Punitive damages are awarded in cases where there is willful misconduct, fraud, malice, or oppression.
Collect the Necessary Documentation
You must be able to prove the extent of your injuries and losses, so gathering substantial evidence is important when preparing for an injury settlement. This can be a challenging process, especially if your injuries interfere with your daily life or require substantial medical treatments. A personal injury lawyer will know what evidence you need and be able to gather it for you.
Exactly what documents you will need depends on your specific circumstances, but you may want to collect:
- Any police reports of the incident
- Photographs or video footage
- Statements and contact information from witnesses
- Medical records
Understand the Settlement Process
There are many things you should know about the process if you plan on navigating your settlement negotiations on your own, but the three most important points to make are:
- The insurance company is not on your side. A representative from the company may contact you, and they will likely be friendly. Do not forget that their goal is to pay you as little as possible. They do not have your best interests at heart.
- The first offer you receive will probably be too low. Again, the other party in your accident case is not trying to help you. They want you to accept a low offer. Be patient; don’t rush the process.
- If you do decide to accept an offer, understand it is final. Whatever amount you agree to in a settlement is the final amount you will receive. You cannot go back later and ask for more or say you changed your mind once you officially accept.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney in Atlanta
If you want to secure the maximum compensation for your injuries, consider having a lawyer represent you. Some personal injury firms offer free attorney consultations, which makes the vetting process low-risk for anyone who is unsure whether or not to hire legal counsel.
An attorney will be able to help you in a number of ways, including:
- Reviewing your case to determine a fair settlement amount
- Gathering necessary evidence to support your claim
- Negotiating with insurance companies and other attorneys
- Building a strong case if litigation becomes necessary
The bottom line is that insurance companies and other opposing parties do not take a claim as seriously if the injured person does not have an attorney. This is an unfortunate truth, and it is also why an accident lawyer in Atlanta is your best tool for getting a higher personal injury settlement.
Trusted Legal Representation for Your Personal Injury Claim
For tailored legal advice for personal injury victims in Atlanta, contact The CP Law Group at 844-546-4878 (that’s 844-5-IM-HURT). Call us or reach out on social media to @TheCPLawGroup to schedule your free consultation.