How to Maximize Compensation in a Los Angeles Car Accident Case
A car accident in Los Angeles can be a severe event that leads to many significant losses for you and your family – including life-changing injuries, expensive medical bills and serious property damage. Maximizing your financial recovery after a car crash can allow you to get your life back on track sooner, with less stress and greater financial security far into the future.
Don’t Admit Fault
There are things you can do to strengthen your car accident case and improve your case results, starting at the scene of the accident. It is critical not to admit fault for the car crash or apologize to anyone involved.
You may be saying “I’m sorry” as a common courtesy, but this can be taken as an admittance of guilt and used against you by an insurance company. Do not admit fault for the car accident in any way to the other driver, vehicle passengers, the police or insurance representatives.
Document the Accident
Before you leave the crash scene, do your best to gather certain types of evidence. Call 911 using your cell phone to report the accident. This can give you a police report, which is an important piece of documentary evidence for an insurance claim.
Exchange contact information with the other driver and any eyewitnesses. Take photos of the accident scene, capturing images of both vehicles and the roadway. The more evidence you can compile, the stronger your Los Angeles car accident case will be.
Get Medical Care Without Delay
Documentation of your physical injuries is a key component of a strong car accident claim. A large portion of a car accident settlement or jury verdict is allocated toward injuries and the ways they affect the victim, such as:
- Necessary medical care
- Ongoing treatments
- Physical pain and suffering
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Disability
- Emotional distress
Thoroughly document your injuries by getting medical care immediately after your collision. Even if you think you are fine, you may have serious injuries with delayed or hidden symptoms. Going to a hospital right away shows an insurance company the connection between the crash and your physical harm.
Be Careful When Speaking to Insurance Companies
You will be contacted by the other driver’s car insurance company shortly after they receive notice of the collision. It is vital not to trust the insurance claims adjuster who contacts you. The claims adjuster will want to protect the insurance company, not you.
During phone calls with the adjuster, do not agree to give a recorded statement. If you are offered a fast settlement, don’t accept without first speaking with a professional attorney. A lawyer will be able to tell you whether the offer is fair.
Avoid Social Media
Do your best to stay off social media sites for the duration of your car accident claim. One tactic an insurance company will likely use is perusing your social media accounts for potential evidence that your injuries are not serious, such as pictures of you enjoying yourself with friends or engaging in favorite activities. Deactivate your accounts until a settlement has been reached.
Hire an Experienced Los Angeles Car Accident Attorney
One of the most important things you can do to maximize your financial compensation after a Los Angeles car accident is to hire an experienced car accident attorney. A lawyer can help you calculate and prove your damages during the insurance process.
An attorney knows how to deal with insurance companies to fight for fair compensation for every loss you suffered due to a car accident. If necessary, your attorney can file a lawsuit to pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.