Accidents are a fact of life, but when you’re on the road, you should know that every driver has to exercise due care when operating their vehicle. Car accidents are avoidable so long as everyone does their part in making the highways safe. However, when you’ve had the misfortune of being involved in an accident caused by a reckless motorist, you need to assert your right to get compensated.
Regardless of the severity of the crash, you are entitled to a certain amount that takes in different factors. This amount will depend on how well you’re able to structure your claim and justify the amount of suffering you endured. Here’s your guide to ensuring the payout you deserve in the aftermath of a road mishap.
1. Make sure you have all the proper evidence
The outcome of your car accident claim is determined by the quality of evidence you’ve gathered on the scene. If you’re unscathed but the damage around you is severe, take photos of the scene, especially dents, skid marks, and damaged road structures nearby.
The sooner you document these the better because the environment will alter the evidence and provide traffic investigators with a different story. If you have to, you can also request CCTV footage captured by security cameras of nearby establishments.
2. File your claim immediately
Filing any personal injury claim is subject to a strict deadline known as a statute of limitations. This is the allowable time frame you can file your claim. Once this expires in line with state rules, you will no longer run after the other party for compensation.
The best time you can file is immediately after the crash. Delaying it will only lead to a smaller payout because the evidence is no longer reliable and even relevant. Act quickly and get an auto accident attorney right away so you’re guaranteed a bigger payout.
3. Talk to witnesses
Physical evidence won’t be enough in most cases to establish the extent of the damages you incurred. The other party will try to attribute the damages to other causes apart and absolve the at-fault driver of any wrongdoing. You can dispute these claims if you were able to talk to witnesses at the scene.
Their testimonies are valuable in filling out possible information gaps that the other party will try to exploit. Be sure to take names and ask them specific questions such as their distance away from the accident and their vantage point. Corroborate these with testimonies from other witnesses to strengthen your claim.
4. Never settle for less
Insurance companies will try everything they can to diminish the compensation you’re entitled to. The other party may convince you that it would cost less if you settle sooner but your attorney may advise against it. The amount they’re offering won’t begin to cover long-term economic damages and emotional damages.
A high offer might look tempting, but you’re poised to lose more when you decide to accept it. Let your lawyer handle the negotiations and decide on an amount that reflects the actual amount of hardship you endured.
Endnote
You may receive a good compensation package when you’re a victim of someone else’s negligence on the road. However, you can increase that amount by getting expert help and ensuring that all the facts and numbers are on your side.
