10 Tips to Maximize Your Car Accident Settlement
Car accidents are common in and around Binghamton, New York, but that doesn’t make them any less terrifying. At Scott C. Gottlieb, Injury Law Attorney, we see car accident victims whose lives have changed forever because of the negligence of other drivers. Even victims with minor injuries can be left with sizeable medical expenses or long-lasting emotional trauma that requires therapy. Binghamton car accident lawyer Scott C. Gottlieb works tirelessly to help car accident victims get the maximum car accident settlement possible.
Fortunately, there are also ways that you can help to maximize your claim’s value. Here are essential and simple personal injury tips you can use after a crash to protect your right to compensation and potentially maximize your car accident settlement:
1- Call 911 – Contact law enforcement to bring Binghamton first responders to the accident scene, including the police and an emergency medical team, if needed. Police who arrive on the scene will keep everyone safe from traffic around the accident, talk to witnesses, and create a police report.
2- Document the accident – Take photos or videos of the accident scene with your phone. Talk to witnesses and request their contact information. As soon as possible, write down or record your recollection of the accident. Note the weather, road conditions, and any other relevant details.
3- Seek medical treatment – If you’re not treated at the accident scene, seek medical attention as soon as possible following an accident, even if you don’t show signs of serious injury. You may have internal injuries that aren’t immediately apparent, and you may experience pain later after your adrenaline wears off. If you wait, the insurance companies may claim your injuries aren’t related to the accident.
4- Follow your doctor’s orders – Your best chance of having a full recovery is to follow your doctor’s orders. Be sure to attend all of your follow-up visits. Clearly communicate any symptoms you’re experiencing so the doctor can record those in your medical records.
5- Don’t give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company – Don’t let that insurance company pressure you into giving them a recorded statement about the accident. Sometimes the trauma and shock of the accident can cause victims to forget important details or unintentionally say something that can harm their claim. Also, they are likely recording what you say The insurance company is going to look for ways to pay you less, not more.
6- Don’t wait too long to file your claim – In New York, you must file your claim with your no-fault insurance provider within 30 days of the accident to seek coverage of your medical treatment and lost wages. If your injuries are serious, you may be able to step outside of New York’s no-fault insurance system and file an injury claim or lawsuit against the at-fault party. However, according to New York’s statute of limitations, you only have three years from the date of the accident to settle or file a lawsuit in court. The sooner you get started, the sooner you can start collecting the evidence you’ll need to support your case. The time limits applying to cities, counties, and states are often shorter than the typical three-year deadline. A document known as a “Notice of Claim” must be filed within 90 days of the accident.
7- Avoid social media – Don’t be tempted to put any accident details on social media. Opposing attorneys will be looking at your social media profiles to try and find anything they can use against you.
8- Calculate the real value of your claim – You may be entitled to receive more than just money for your medical expenses, lost wages, and your damaged vehicle. Depending on the circumstances of your accident and the severity of your injuries, you may be able to pursue other types of compensation, such as pain and suffering and loss of future earnings. A skilled attorney can help you understand what to expect for compensation for your injuries. They can also give you tips on how to respond to a low settlement offer and to demand the compensation you are due.
9- Hire an experienced car accident lawyer – Binghamton car accident attorney Scott C. Gottlieb can seek compensation for property damage to your vehicle, medical expenses, lost wages, and any other compensation that you rightfully deserve. Beginning with your free consultation, our law firm will do all of the necessary work without charging upfront fees. We only get paid when you receive your settlement or award after trial.
10- Communicate with your lawyer – Once you hire an experienced Binghamton car accident attorney, it’s important that you communicate openly and honestly with them. This includes mentioning any discomfort and difficulties you are experiencing as a result of your injuries. An attorney will work closely with you to understand the extent of your losses and help you pursue fair compensation.
How Our Car Accident Attorney Can Help You
Binghamton car accident lawyer Scott C. Gottlieb has a long and successful track record of securing maximum compensation for car accident victims. When we say we do everything for you when we take on your Binghamton car accident claim, we mean it. This includes coordinating care with your doctors, making sure you have accurate and complete medical reports, and assisting you with accessing no-fault benefits under your insurance plan.
We won’t let insurance companies take advantage of you, and if necessary, we will fight for you in court. Contact us today for your free case review.
