03 Nov 10 Secrets That Could Increase Your Car Accident Settlement
Secret #1. Call the police to make a report. A third-party report can be very helpful in determining fault. If an officer cannot come, make sure to get witness information.
Secret #2. Take pictures. Pictures are worth a thousand words and in this case, can be worth thousands of dollars which can increase your car accident settlement. Make sure to take pictures of BOTH vehicles, the scene, any injuries, and anything else you may think would be helpful to your claim.
Secret #3. Get medical attention as soon as possible. Gaps in treatment are one of the most common insurance company arguments. They try to say if you are not seeking treatment quickly, then you are not hurt. Of course, that is not true. But, it is always good to take an argument out of their arsenal. More importantly, you want to make sure you are not injured somewhere you may not be able to see.
Secret #4. Be honest with medical providers. I often tell clients, “It is not the time to be superman.” Be honest with providers about your injuries and make sure to be detailed.
Secret #5. Follow the treatment plan. Again, insurance companies love gaps in treatment. Make sure to follow what the doctor says as it will not only help your claim, but more importantly, make you feel better.
Secret #6. Do not try to fix your own car. Many people try to wipe off paint damage or try to pop out a dent themselves. Do not do that before an adjuster comes to look at the vehicle as it will not look as damaged as it truly is. Property damage is a huge factor in the “causation analysis.” That is when it is asked, “did those damages cause those injuries?” If there is minor damage, or none at all, damage, it is that much harder to prove your injuries resulted from the accident.
Secret #7. Do not post activity photos on social media. Leave the rock-climbing photos, Olympic lifting pics, and the basketball clips for after the accident if you must post those. Insurance companies love going through social media to try to use those pictures as evidence to show you are not hurt, even if you are as sore as can be after the fact.
Secret #8. Do not sign anything with the insurance company before contacting legal counsel. Insurance companies may try to smoothly slide a release or other documentation your way for what could look like a quick cash settlement. Never sign anything without having an attorney review it first. You could be leaving a significant amount of money on the table.
Secret #9. Make sure you have UM coverage. If the at-fault does not have enough coverage or any coverage for that matter, it is important to have uninsured motorist coverage to increase your recovery. Otherwise, your recovery could be limited to what the other party may have in coverage.
Secret #10. Hire an experienced and qualified personal injury attorney. Studies have shown that having a personal injury attorney represent you for an accident can drastically increase your car accident settlement. I offer a free no-obligation consultation. You can always give me a call to discuss your claim at no charge and to see if I am the right fit for you.
EXPERIENCED CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
I understand that the process after getting into a car accident can be difficult and stressful. You probably have a lot of questions and very few answers. Allow me to be there for you every step of the way. I offer a FREE no-obligation consultation and will review your accident claim with you personally at one of the office locations in Tampa, Zephyrhills, Saint Petersburg, Brandon, Clearwater, or Sun City Center. Cannot make it to me? I will come to wherever is convenient to you at NO charge. You deserve to be compensated and I want to get justice for you!
Contact Florida Car Accident Attorney Kevin L. Sullivan II TODAY at (813) 598-4868 for a FREE no-obligation consultation. I look forward to assisting you with your claim!
No Comments