A car accident is never a pleasant experience. This type of traumatic event can not only cause serious bodily injuries but can also affect your mental health. The entire situation is incredibly stressful, from dealing with insurance companies to your physical recovery, all of which can take its toll on your well-being.
When it comes down to negotiating the settlement process, this can be another nerve-racking process. Car accident victims in Riverside County should consult with a Temecula car accident lawyer to receive the maximum compensation for their personal injury claim.
Negotiating a Car Crash Settlement Dos and Don’ts
The negotiating portion of a personal injury lawsuit is not to be taken lightly. To receive maximum compensation, this phase needs to be handled correctly. Although the negligent driver’s insurance company and their legal team are open to discussing the case, you have to remember that they’re not looking out for your best interest. What they’re doing is trying to reduce their liability.
To receive the best settlement, you need to be savvy and have an understanding of how the process works. We’ve compiled a basic guide that highlights some of the best strategies to ensure you get the best settlement possible.
What To Do When Negotiating a Car Accident Case
- Do hire a lawyer – It’s never advisable to handle your own personal injury case. No matter how cut-and-dry it may seem, an experienced lawyer can make the process easier and will work to ensure you get the best settlement.
- Do continue to receive medical care – To file a car accident case, you’ll need to prove that you’ve been injured and your injuries are severe enough to file a lawsuit. Continue to follow your healthcare professional’s advice and don’t miss any appointments.
- Do be patient – Personal injury lawsuits aren’t settled immediately. Be prepared to do a bit of waiting and let your legal team do what they need to do. Some cases can take a year or longer before reaching a settlement.
- Do preserve evidence – To prove your case, you’ll be required to provide evidence of the other driver’s neglect and also of your injuries. Collecting evidence can be a time-consuming process and is best done with the guidance of a lawyer.
What Not To Do When Negotiating a Car Accident Case
- Don’t accept the first offer – The insurance company may offer you a fast settlement and push you to sign on the dotted line. What may seem like an easy and favorable agreement is never going to be for the amount you’re entitled to.
- Don’t wait to file your case – The California personal injury statute of limitations is limited to 2 years. If you attempt to file after 2 years from the date of the accident, the courts won’t accept it and the insurance company is under no obligation to pay any type of settlement.
- Don’t forget to include future expenses – It’s important that once you reach the negotiating table you’ve compiled a complete list of all damages. This list shouldn’t be limited to medical bills but should also include current and future lost wages and a monetary amount for pain and suffering.
- Don’t post on social media – Posting about the accident or the lawsuit on social media is always to be avoided. Insurance companies will use anything they can to minimize your claim. Even a seemingly harmless post of you out enjoying the day with your family could be used against you. You’ll need to be incredibly careful with your use of social media until the case is settled.
Negotiating a California Car Crash Settlement: The Bottom Line
You deserve the maximum compensation for your damages after being the victim of a car accident. To do so, there are some dos and don’ts that should be followed. The biggest and most important “do” is to file your case under the guidance of an experienced California personal injury attorney. Let the experts do what they do best while you work on recovering from your injuries.
A difficult “don’t” for many is to keep quiet on social media. What seems like the most natural outlet and harmless outlet for your accident and lawsuit stresses is actually something that could quickly sabotage your case. Your lawyer can help you to steer clear of any social media issues.
