5 Tips to Obtaining Compensation Following an Auto Accident
Being involved in an automobile accident can cause you to deal with several issues, especially if your insurance company does not cover all of your medical expenses and vehicle damage. Fortunately, there are several ways that you can help increase your odds of receiving enough compensation to cover all of your related costs.
1. Do Not Accept a Settlement
One of the biggest mistakes that people make after a car accident is settling with their insurance company immediately. Although this might seem like it makes the most sense, it will actually put you at risk for being responsible for additional medical fees. After all, the moment you sign a release waiver, you will lose your right to pursue additional compensation from your insurer. This can become a serious issue if the full extent of your injuries has not yet been determined.
2. Retain an Injury Attorney
If the other driver was at fault, you might have the opportunity to sue them for your medical bills, vehicle repairs, lost wages and pain and suffering. According to one personal injury attorney Tampa based “Some of the drivers today have no idea what sort of victims’ rights they have, which is why the moment they get involved in an accident they should be hunting for an attorney.”
Therefore, it is important to consult with a local personal injury attorney who has a proven track record of winning similar cases. Keep in mind that a lawyer will have a full understanding of your local laws, and this can help you file a successful claim. Additionally, your odds of negotiating a fair settlement will be greatly increased with an attorney on your side.
3. Photograph Everything
If you end up in court, it will be imperative to have as much evidence as possible to back up your side of the story. Therefore, it is always best to take photographs of the accident scene, and you should also take the time to document your injuries and vehicle damage. Keep in mind that you will most likely be completely healed by the time you end up in court, so it can be very beneficial to show a judge and jury what your injuries actually looked like.
4. Utilize Any Witnesses
In some cases, the responsible driver might attempt to deny that they were at fault. However, if you have the assistance of at least one witness who was on the scene, it should be much easier to get the other driver to agree to move forward with a settlement offer instead of forcing you to go to court to receive compensation.
5. Be Familiar with Statute of Limitations
Even if you have a lot of evidence, you could still end up getting nothing if you do not file your case quickly enough. This can become problematic when you consider the fact that it is important to wait a while to determine exactly how long-lasting your injuries will be. Due to this, it is a good idea to begin working with an attorney early on because this will give you the opportunity to move forward shortly before the statute of limitations runs out.
As long as you utilize these techniques, it should be fairly easy to receive the proper compensation. However, it is important to note that failure to use an attorney during a court case will dramatically reduce your odds of winning. Therefore, it makes the most sense to work with a local lawyer throughout the entire process.
Lisa Coleman shares some tips a person can utilize to help ensure they receive a fair settlement following an auto accident. She recently viewed online how a personal injury attorney Tampa firm can assist with the claims process following such a case.
Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevendepolo/5437288053/
Category: Law
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