You’ve just been in a car accident—and it wasn’t your fault. Maybe your injuries aren’t severe (hopefully), but your car is damaged. You might be facing medical bills, missed work, or even ongoing treatment like physical therapy.
If that sounds familiar, you may be entitled to legal compensation. But here’s the big question: how do you make sure you get the most money from your car accident claim?
The good news? There are proven steps you can take to boost your settlement—beyond just who was at fault and how badly you were injured. Let’s walk through what you should do to protect your rights and increase the amount you receive.
1. Hire a Skilled Car Accident Attorney Early
One of the most important steps after an accident is contacting a reputable personal injury attorney. They can evaluate your unique case and give you a clear idea of what kind of compensation you may be entitled to.
Tip: Don’t speak to the insurance company before consulting a lawyer. Insurance agents are not on your side—your attorney is. Only a personal injury lawyer can properly negotiate or file a lawsuit on your behalf.
Most personal injury lawyers offer free consultations. You’re not committing to anything just by scheduling one, but you’ll gain clarity on your rights and options. Just remember: to officially work with an attorney, you’ll need to sign a formal agreement.
2. Follow Medical Advice and Keep Detailed Records
Always call 911 after a crash, even if you’re unsure how injured you are. If EMTs arrive, get evaluated. Then, follow up with your doctor as soon as possible—even if your symptoms seem minor.
Make sure to:
- Tell your doctor about every pain or symptom you’re experiencing.
- Follow through on all recommended treatment plans.
- Keep track of all appointments, prescriptions, and out-of-pocket expenses.
- Document everything—these records will become critical to your case.
Important: Skipping doctor visits or ending treatment too soon can reduce the value of your claim. Insurance companies often view incomplete treatment as a sign that your injuries weren’t serious.
And while surgery can increase your settlement amount, never undergo a procedure just to boost a payout. Your health should always come first.
3. Collect Strong Third-Party Evidence
If the crash was serious, the police will likely handle much of the initial documentation—but don’t rely on them alone.
What you should do:
- Make sure the police report is accurate before signing anything.
- Avoid apologizing or admitting fault at the scene—it could hurt your claim.
- Get the names and badge numbers of responding officers.
- Request a copy of the accident report for your records.
- Gather names and contact info for any witnesses.
- Take your own photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and injuries.
The more neutral, third-party evidence you can collect, the stronger your case. That evidence will help your attorney fight for the maximum possible settlement.
Bottom Line: Be Proactive, Be Smart, and Get Legal Help Early
Recovering from a car accident is hard enough—don’t leave money on the table. Hiring a top car accident attorney, following your doctor’s instructions, and documenting everything can make a huge difference in your final settlement.
The sooner you act, the better your chances of getting the compensation you deserve.
