How to negotiate a higher car accident settlement? You need to provide strong evidence, document medical losses, and work with a lawyer to negotiate a higher car accident settlement. When you are in a car accident, your life changes in numerous ways.
With financial losses, physical limitations, and emotional trauma, it can be hard to know how you will get back to normal. To negotiate a higher car accident settlement, focus on the following steps with the help of a Salt Lake City car accident lawyer from a trusted firm.
Obtain Comprehensive Evidence to Provide Fault
Evidence is one of the most important resources you have to negotiate a higher car accident settlement. It is hard for insurance companies to refute your claims when you have documentation or other evidence to support the claim. For that reason, it should be one of the most important components of your claims process. Look for evidence that showcases all parties at fault, such as:
- Police reports that document what occurred
- Witness statements
- Video and photos of the incident and the aftermath
- Accident reconstruction professionals
- Commercial driver logs to indicate intoxication or a lack of breaks
- Medical reports for those considered intoxicated
- Statements from third parties who have knowledge of what happened
The key to remember in this step is that there may be more than one person at fault for your accident. For example, if another driver struck your vehicle, but the accident was made worse because of a defective car component, you may be able to seek compensation against the other driver and the manufacturer. Be sure every person at fault is represented in your claim filed with the help of a Salt Lake City personal injury lawyer.
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Document All of Your Medical Losses to Negotiate a Higher Car Accident Settlement
To negotiate a higher car accident settlement, you need to have comprehensive proof of your medical-related injuries and the resulting losses. Be aggressive here in terms of outlining your medical losses and limitations. If you can prove that any of the following more complicated types of medical injuries occurred, then you may be able to maximize your claim:
- Traumatic brain injuries resulting in changes in cognitive function
- Neck and back pain that has become chronic
- Temporary or permanent paralysis of any area of the body
- Lacerations that result in complications like infections
- Amputations that impact your quality of life
- Chronic pain development
Each of these areas demonstrates a new level of financial losses for victims. You may be facing medical bills, but you also need to consider the impact on your mental health and overall well-being. Your attorney will work to maximize any compensation claims related to medical losses to ensure you receive fair treatment under the law. Be thorough in identifying these losses.
Clarify and Detail Catastrophic Injuries
Many victims suffer catastrophic injuries, which means they have injuries that are not likely to improve in the long term. These injuries can impact your life in various ways, potentially affecting your ability to recover and return to your normal life. Some examples of catastrophic injuries, which could extend and maximize your claim potential, include:
- Loss of hearing
- Loss of vision
- Paralysis of the trunk, limbs, or other areas
- Chronic pain development
- Changes to cognitive function
- Changes to behavioral well-being
To maximize your claim, negotiate compensation that includes all losses related to these injuries. This may include, for example, immediate treatment, supplies, medical support, as well as ongoing limitations on your quality of life, relationships, and ability to work. The more ways these catastrophic injuries are impacting you and your future, the higher your claim value will be in each of these areas.
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Demonstrate Your Inability to Do Your Job
Another way to negotiate a higher car accident settlement is to show just how much it has impacted your ability to earn a living. This is more than just saying you cannot work. With evidence and clearly defined examples, you will be able to file a claim that includes all of these losses.
For example, if you are unable to return to work because you can no longer stand on your feet all day, as you used to, due to the car accident you were in, the court recognizes that. The court will then consider the available options. For example, some people may be unable to work at all and need permanent disability to meet their online needs.
Other people may be able to do some work, which may result in a reduction of the compensation paid to them. Others may be able to work, but they need help finding new skills for a new job. Your claim could include compensation to help you obtain the vocational training you need to recover damages fairly. Read our FAQs to learn more today.
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Build a Strong Claim and Negotiate with Confidence
To negotiate a higher claim after your accident, you need to be prepared for what the insurance company may do to you. It is crucial to be as prepared as possible for this process, which typically involves having an attorney available to guide you in holding the insurance company accountable. To boost your claim value, focus on the following:
- Inform the at-fault party of the incident right away. Do not file a claim immediately.
- Work with your doctor and therapists to fully understand the losses you have and how much you will improve.
- Create a comprehensive and clear demand letter. Let your attorney handle this process for you, since it will make it harder for the insurance company to refute your claims.
Avoid accepting the first offer that the company gives to you. Instead, work with your attorney to fully understand what your claim is worth and then counter that initial offer. Your lawyer can help you determine this value precisely to secure the outcome you deserve.
The Lawyer You Hire Matters as Well
To negotiate a higher car accident settlement, make sure you have a skilled and experienced attorney by your side to assist you with this. You also want to be confident that you understand your rights to compensation and the legal steps you must take to ensure this experience proceeds as desired and you recover damages fairly.
Do not wait to contact a car accident lawyer from Siegfried & Jensen to learn more about your case.
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