Successfully negotiating an auto accident settlement with an insurance company requires knowledge, patience, and evidence that supports your position. If you don’t understand your rights or know how to maximize the value of your claim, you may not be able to get enough money to sufficiently cover your medical bills, lost wages, property damages, and other expenses associated with the car accident. For assistance regarding your auto accident claim, consult an experienced car accident attorney in Illinois.
Document the Auto Accident
Take pictures of the auto accident. Having pictures of the road conditions and all of the vehicles involved in the accident is one way to document the damages caused by the accident. The position of the vehicles after the collision and seeing where the damage is located on each vehicle could also help to determine liability.
If it’s possible, file a police report. A police report will contain information regarding what happened in the accident, damages, injuries, and the names of witnesses. Submitting pictures and a police report to the insurance company will strengthen the legitimacy of your claim.
Don’t Speak to a Claims Adjuster Immediately after the Accident
You are not required to speak to the other party’s insurance company right after the accident occurred. It’s beneficial to seek guidance from a car accident attorney in Illinois to find out how to handle the questions the claims adjuster will likely ask you. When you speak to a claims adjuster, the conversation may be recorded. If you give inaccurate information about the accident or downplay the extent of your injuries and damages to your car, it could undermine your ability to get the money you need when you negotiate a settlement.
Seek Medical Treatment
Even if you feel fine immediately after the accident, you may have still suffered some type of injury. To protect your health and prevent any potential injuries from getting worse, you should seek medical treatment right away. If you need long-term medical treatment, you may not be able to work for an extended period of time. The injuries could also prevent you from performing basic functions in the household and diminish your quality of life. Your medical records will explain the full extent of your injuries, symptoms, and treatment plan. The medical documentation will validate the severity of your injuries and increase the value of your claim.
Contact an Illinois Car Accident Attorney
Negotiating a settlement is a crucial part of the claims process. To put yourself in the best position to obtain fair compensation for your losses, seek legal advice from a car accident attorney at The Law Office of Daniel E. Goodman. Go to
Our website to schedule a free consultation.
