How to Get the Most From a Car Accident Settlement

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to improve your settlement offer so that you can get back on the road better than ever. 

Document All Repairs and Modifications to Your Vehicle

Getting the most from your settlement starts with good paperwork before you ever get behind the wheel. 

Insurance adjusters typically use a car's actual cash value to determine how much you can receive in a claim. However, if you have made modifications and upgrades to your car, such as a 2018 Kia Stinger GT1 with custom upholstery or chrome rims, you may be able to get part of this back in a settlement. 

Having a detailed repair history is also important, as it can rule out mechanical defects. An insurance adjuster may try to argue that you had not kept your car in good condition, and issues like worn brakes or bald tires caused the accident; in other words, they'll try to blame you for being an irresponsible car owner. Your vehicle's repair history can rule that out. 

Report the Accident Immediately and Go to the Hospital

In many states, it is the law that you must report any accident to the police if it results in a certain amount of property damage or any bodily injuries. Regardless, filing a crash report right away will officially document the accident. Insurance companies may request this, and it can be more challenging to secure a claim if you didn't report.

You should also visit the local emergency room for an assessment, even if you don't feel you were hurt. This documents any physical injuries and can be used as proof of your claim. 

Work With a Car Accident Attorney

Crash victims often ask, "Do I need a car accident lawyer?" We can assure you that the answer is almost always yes. 

Personal injury attorneys can accurately value your claim, incorporating things you may never have considered would be covered. By handling the claims process, they ensure everything is properly filed and on time. They can also secure vital evidence that supports your case, like surveillance footage or witness statements, while consulting with experts who can provide their professional opinion on the facts. For example, an attorney can consult with an accident reconstruction specialist to present a detailed timeline of the events.

Don't Talk to Third Parties About the Accident – Even Online

Any public statements you make about the accident or comments you offer to the insurance adjuster can be twisted to justify giving you less. For example, let's say you suffered a spinal cord injury due to whiplash. Your medical records state that this makes it difficult to walk or complete daily tasks. 

Then you post a picture of yourself as a passenger in a high-end sports car, enjoying a day out. The picture doesn't show the full story, such as how you had to have a friend help you into the car or that you were forced to cut the day short because of pain. Still, a keen-eyed insurance adjuster could zero in on this photo and argue that it suggests you aren't truly suffering from any issues because you were able to complete one daily task: getting into a car.

While this may seem unfair, the insurance company is doing everything it can to reduce its liability and limit your payment. It's best to keep a low profile after an accident, not discuss it with anyone, and let your attorney handle all communications with the insurance company. 

Follow Your Treatment Plan

If you have minor car accident injuries, you may shrug off attending that follow-up appointment or decide that physical therapy isn't worth it. However, this can result in a denial of settlement. The insurance agency will claim that you must not have been seriously injured if you went against medical orders, which significantly reduces how much you can claim.

Keep records of all medical treatments and hospital visits, starting with the emergency room visit and beyond. You can also use a pain diary to document the challenges you face in everyday life, which can be used to justify non-economic damages like pain and suffering. 

Insurance companies may also try to claim that your injuries were pre-existing, so your attorney will secure your medical records from before the accident to prove this is false. This is why, in addition to ensuring your overall health, it's a good idea to complete regular annual checkups that document your current condition.

No car enthusiast wants to be in an accident, especially one that results in damage to their favorite car. However, knowing what to expect and how to maximize your settlement is invaluable, as it avoids common mistakes like refusing to report or posting online. Follow these steps, and consult with a licensed attorney for personalized support.