How Can I Maximize My Car Accident Settlement?
Being injured in a Tennessee car accident can change your life in an instant. You might not be able to return to work for months on end, you could require extensive physical therapy, or you might have to undergo surgery to repair your injuries. These bills can pile up, and maximizing your car accident settlement can ensure that you and your family are protected in the future.
Your Nashville car accident attorney is here to handle the “heavy lifting,” as it were, but there are a few things you can do to help bolster your case.
Always call 911 after an accident
Whether you think you suffered an injury or not, you should always call 911 when involved in a car accident. Doing so will have the police and EMS dispatched. The responding officer will obtain everyone’s information and file a report, which can be helpful when filing a claim against the other driver involved. Let EMS evaluate you and if they recommend that you go to the hospital, accept transport for further evaluation.
Document what happened before, during, and after the wreck
Do not rely solely on the police report after an accident. You should obtain the following for your own records:
- Contact and insurance information for all drivers involved
- Witness contact information
- Pictures of the vehicles, roads, and injuries
It helps to write down as much as you can remember about what happened just before the crash, too. You can show these writings to your attorney.
Continue with medical treatment until you heal
Do not stop medical treatment even if you feel better. If your doctor prescribed you medication or said that you need to attend physical therapy for six months, be sure you finish the prescription and attend all of the recommended therapy sessions. Ending medical treatment before it is recommended will only hurt your claim.
Don’t use social media
Whatever you do after an accident, don’t post about it on social media. Don’t make posts accusing the other driver of the accident, or even slightly admitting fault on your part. Be careful what you post unrelated to the accident, especially if you claimed you were seriously hurt. Many different posts can be used against you.
Avoid giving a recorded statement to an insurance company
Maximizing your car accident settlement can also be done by avoiding the insurance companies involved. Do not provide a recorded statement about the accident unless you are advised to by your attorney or if your attorney is by your side when doing so. Part of the reason you hire a lawyer is to deal with the insurance company on your behalf, so you can focus on getting better.
Have you been injured in a car accident in Tennessee? Are you worried that you will be on the hook for your medical bills? If you follow the tips outlined in this blog and hire a Gladiator from Rocky McElhaney Law Firm, you may be able to maximize your car accident settlement. Call our office at 615-425-2500, or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation. Our firm operates offices in Nashville, Hendersonville, and Clarksville.