How to Maximize Your Damages and Compensation After a Car Accident in North Carolina

Raleigh Car Accident Injury Lawyer Explains How to Maximize Your Damages After a Motor Vehicle Accident in North Carolina

After a car accident, the last thing you are probably thinking about is negotiating your injury or damages claim. But the information and evidence you can gather immediately after the accident can change the outcome of your case. There are several steps that can be taken to increase or maximize compensation for a personal injury claim. These steps include:

1.    Seeking medical treatment:

It is important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible after an injury occurs. This will not only help with the healing process, but it will also create a medical record that can be used to support the claim. Insurance companies require proof of a person’s injuries in order to pay damages for them.

2.    Gathering evidence:

Gathering evidence such as photos of the injury, witness statements, and any documentation related to the incident can help strengthen the claim. Evidence can disappear quickly or be destroyed, so it is vital to obtain as much evidence as possible as soon as possible.

3.    Keeping a record and receipt of damages:

It is important to keep a record of all of the damages you incur after a car accident. Damages include not only the cost of medical bills, but also lost wages and any other financial losses that have occurred as a result of the injury. Things like towing charges, storage fees, rental car, and loss of use are all damages you can recover. It is important to keep track of all damages in order to accurately represent them in the claim. The insurance company for the at-fault party will want to see proof of those damages.

4.    Hiring an injury lawyer:

An experienced car accident lawyer can provide valuable legal advice and representation in the process of filing a claim. They can also negotiate with the insurance company to ensure that the injured victims are fairly compensated.

5.    Keeping track of communications:

It is important to keep track of all communication related to the claim, including phone calls, emails, and letters. This documentation can be used to support the claim and ensure that the injured party is treated fairly.

6.    Researching the value of the claim:

It is important to have a clear understanding of the value of the claim in order to negotiate with the insurance company. This may involve researching similar cases to determine a fair settlement amount. An experienced injury lawyer has access to other similar settlements and can advise whether the offer you received is fair or not.

7.    Negotiating with the insurance company:

It is likely that the insurance company will try to offer a low settlement amount in order to minimize their financial loss. It is important to negotiate with the insurance company to ensure that the victim is fairly compensated.

8.    Considering mediation or other formal settlement processes:

If informal negotiations with the insurance company are not successful, alternative dispute resolution options such as mediation or arbitration may be viable options. Mediation is a formal settlement procedure where all of the parties involved in the accident and representatives of the insurance carrier (and lawyers if any) all meet one day to try and settle the claim.

9.    Filing a lawsuit:

If all other options have been exhausted and the the injured party is not satisfied with the settlement offer, it may be necessary to file a lawsuit. This process can be time-consuming and costly, but it may be necessary to ensure that the injured party is fairly compensated.

10. Following through with the settlement:

Once a settlement has been reached, it is important to follow through with the terms of the agreement. Settlements agreements frequently require the party receiving compensation to keep the amounts of compensation confidential. If an injured party fails to honor the terms of the settlement agreement, they could be sued themselves or have to pay back the settlement funds.

By following these steps, individuals who are injured in car accidents can maximize their chances of receiving fair compensation for their injuries. It is important to take action as soon as possible after the injury occurs in order to ensure that the claim is filed in a timely manner and to maximize the chances of receiving a fair settlement.

Schedule a Free Case Evaluation with Our Car Accident Lawyers in Raleigh, NC.

It is important to note that each case is different, and the specific laws and regulations that apply will depend on the circumstances of the accident. If you have been involved in a car accident in North Carolina, it is important to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you understand your legal options and pursue the compensation you deserve. Our Raleigh car accident lawyers are ready to evaluate your claim for free.