If you are wondering how to reach a fair settlement after a car accident, it’s important to understand the steps you should take. If you make a mistake after your collision when negotiating with the insurance company, it can have a large impact on how much compensation you might receive. Follow the tips below for how to reach a fair settlement after a car accident.
You should seek medical attention immediately after a car accident. If you don’t see a doctor in the days following your crash, the insurance company might think your injuries were caused by a different incident. The best approach is to see a doctor as soon as you are released from the accident scene. If you are not seriously injured or are unsure if you were hurt, you should still see a doctor. Some injuries take time to show symptoms, and delays in treatment can make your injuries worsen and negatively affect your ability to recover fair compensation.
Massachusetts is a no-fault state for auto accidents, so you’ll need to file your claim with your insurance company. You should report your accident immediately after your crash. You can do so by calling your company to report your accident. When you are on the phone, be careful with what you say. Don’t deny you were injured or discuss your injuries. If you are asked whether you were injured, you can tell the company you are seeing a doctor to determine that.
You should gather all of the evidence about your crash that you can. At the scene of your accident, you should take pictures of the damage and the scene with your smartphone to document everything. You should also try to get the names and contact information of any witnesses and ask the officer how to get a copy of the police report. When the report is ready, make sure to get a copy of it. Save your medical bills, and ask the hospital and your doctors’ offices for copies of the medical records related to treating your injuries. If you can’t return to work because of your injuries, gather copies of your pay stubs and a statement from your employer about your income losses.
Insurance companies will often try to make low-ball offers to accident victims, so it’s important for you to accurately calculate the value of your claim. Since this process can be complex, it’s a good idea to get help from an attorney to learn how much your claim might be worth.
No-fault insurance will cover up to $8,000 of your medical bills. If you suffered serious injuries and have medical bills that exceed that amount, you can file a claim against the driver who caused your crash. An injury lawyer can help you with this process. Your attorney will send a demand package to the company with information about your claim, injuries, and the amount of compensation you are seeking in a settlement.
Many people make the mistake of waiting too long to talk to a lawyer. The best approach is to retain a lawyer as soon as possible after your crash. When you hire a lawyer early, your attorney can help you avoid making mistakes that can hurt your ability to recover fair compensation.
The attorneys at Ellis & Associates have substantial experience negotiating with insurance companies to recover fair compensation for their clients. If you were injured in a car crash caused by someone else, you should speak to our experienced accident attorneys as soon as possible. We can help to obtain a copy of the police report from your accident and advise you about the merits of your claim. Call us today to schedule a free consultation at 800-MR-ELLIS.
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