The claim filing process after a car accident is generally simple. The challenge comes when you want to strengthen the case to get the highest value compensation. Remember that the insurer is not on your side. And whatever you do after filing a claim will determine your eligibility to get a fair financial settlement. 

Check out these tips to maximize your car accident settlement.

Get Medical Treatment

You shouldn't assume that you don't need a medical checkup because you don't have any visible injuries after an accident (however minor). You might have suffered an internal injury, which is only visible via comprehensive medical tests. In fact, some injuries such as back, neck, spinal and traumatic brain injuries may take a few days or weeks for symptoms to show. 

A major component of most car accident claims is the medical bills and damages. The amount you spend on medical bills is determined by the severity of the accident. The insurer uses that amount to figure out the amount they have to pay you. An insurance adjuster also considers the type of treatment to calculate your settlement. 

Remember that your doctor has to diagnose you before you start the treatment. The diagnosis stage is pretty fast, and the charges are negligible. Most adjusters barely pay attention to the diagnostic costs to determine your settlement. Therefore, spending so much on examinations and little on treatment does not always guarantee high compensation.

Hire a Car Accident Attorney

Attempting to handle your car injury case alone only diminishes your chances of getting fair compensation. The little knowledge you have about personal injury law may not be enough to help you build a solid case and negotiate with the insurer.

On the other hand, if you let a lawyer handle your case, you will have more time to focus on healing and work on your recovery. You'll have peace of mind knowing that your lawyer will fight to get you the settlement you deserve. 

The following are some of the responsibilities a good lawyer takes on when handling a car accident claim.

Collect Valuable Evidence to Support Your Claim

A reliable car accident attorney understands how to collect valid proof to show that you were not at fault for the accident. Your lawyer will also prove that the accumulated medical bills resulted from injuries sustained from the accident.

The attorney goes out of their way to get:

• Photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and car damages
• Police records
• Statements from eyewitnesses
• Your medical reports

These details will be vital in presenting a solid case and obtaining a fair settlement for your claim. 

Negotiate With the Insurer

An experienced car accident lawyer has probably handled similar cases before and understands the reasonable compensation amount, which often depends on the extent of damage incurred. 

They know when an insurer tries to offer a low settlement without putting much thought into your pain and suffering. You can trust a good lawyer to present solid reasons why you deserve higher compensation and table a deal that will work in your favor.

For more information or for help settling a car accident claim, contact a car accident attorney near you.