An auto accident can change your life in an instant. The resulting injuries can leave you facing a long, difficult road to recovery and significant financial burden. Once the shock of what happened begins to fade, it will be time to take the steps necessary to get your life back in order. This will include filing a personal injury claim if the collision was caused by someone else’s negligence. In doing so, you can expect to negotiate with the other party’s insurance company to reach a reasonable settlement offer. Here’s what you can do to help maximize the amount of compensation you receive. 

How to Achieve a Fair Auto Accident Settlement

Collect Evidence to Support Your Case 

Those who file an auto accident claim are required to prove they experienced injuries as the direct result of another’s negligent behavior. To do this, you must be prepared to present the insurance company with plenty of documentation supporting your case. As such, you will want to make sure you have a copy of the police report, all medical records and expenses related to your treatment, a list of property damage and repair bills, witness testimonies, and photos taken of the crash site and your injuries. You should also keep a journal detailing your day-to-day pain and suffering and how your normal life has been impacted. 

Understand How Negotiations Work 

It’s common for insurance companies to offer settlements that are far below the actual value of a personal injury claim. Their top priority is paying out the minimum amount possible to save money. In turn, there is a good chance you will end up going back and forth in an attempt to negotiate a settlement both parties are satisfied with. This is especially true if the insurer tries to deny liability or argues that you were partially at fault. While most cases can reach an agreement outside of court, there are instances when it becomes necessary to go to trial.

Consult a Personal Injury Attorney

Successfully settling an auto accident claim is typically challenging to do without the assistance of an experienced personal injury attorney. They will ensure you have all the paperwork an insurance company wants to see to determine liability and show the losses that have been incurred. They will also take over the negotiations to keep you from being pressured into settling for less than your injuries are worth. 

The actions you take following an auto accident can make a considerable difference in whether or not you’re able to recover all the damages you’re entitled to. A personal injury attorney from Carey & Hamner, P.C. will help explore your legal options and strategize on the best way to establish liability. They are committed to aggressively fighting on behalf of injury victims throughout Dothan, Enterprise, and Ozark, AL, and offer clients the knowledge, support, and guidance to navigate the complexities of personal injury law. Call (855) 435-4797 to schedule a case evaluation, or visit them online to learn more about their experience handling auto accident claims.