The aftermath of a car accident may result in more than just your car being damaged. There will be expenses for medical care, missed work, and financial strain. Insurers may also take advantage of the situation to devalue your claim.
Most people assume there is a common way to calculate these claims, but the reality is that various factors affect how much you can receive from your auto accident claim. This article highlights a few factors that impact your settlement.
1. The Degree of Your Injuries
The seriousness of your injuries plays a big role in the amount you get. Minor injuries generally result in lower compensation than severe injuries requiring surgery or long-term rehabilitation. To determine how serious your injuries are, insurance companies review your:
- Medical records
- Treatment plans
- Physician recommendations
- Documentation of permanent impairments or disabilities
- Your ability to earn income
These factors are taken into account when determining the value of your claim.
2. The Quality of Evidence
Even when liability looks clear, evidence is important for determining the benefits you get. Once an insurance company receives a claim, they examine how you prove it. Some strong evidence to support your claim includes:
- A police accident report
- Medical records
- Expert accident reconstruction reports
- Pictures of the accident scene
- Eyewitness statements
Stronger evidence makes it difficult for an insurance company to dispute your claim or offer a lowball settlement.
3. Hiring a Lawyer
Going through the claim process in Tucson, like in any other city, can be difficult when you don’t have the help of a lawyer. You will have to deal with insurance adjusters who handle such claims every day and settle them for as little as they can negotiate.
With the help of an experienced Tucson car accident lawyer, you can have a level playing field. The attorney is in a good position to do the following,
- File your claim properly
- Gather relevant evidence
- Negotiate with the insurance company to get the compensation you deserve
Moreover, a lawyer will ensure you are properly compensated for your future medical expenses, missed income, pain and suffering, and other non-economic damages.
4. The Insurance Coverage Available
When determining your settlement, the type of insurance coverage involved can play an important role, regardless of the extent of your injury. Even if your injuries are significant, you may get less than expected if the policy limits of the at-fault party are very low.
In some cases, there may be other means of recovering money. Your own insurance coverage for uninsured or underinsured vehicles, the fact that multiple parties are at fault, and other policies could provide additional money. Knowing your options from the outset helps you advance your claim without long delays.
5. What You Do After the Accident
What you do right after an accident can greatly influence how your insurance claim will turn out. Insurance companies pay close attention to how accident victims act after the accident, and even small mistakes can change how negotiations go.
Getting medical treatment right after the accident, following your doctor’s orders, keeping copies of medical bills and repair estimates, and documenting time missed from work all strengthen your claim.
Endnote
There is no one deciding factor for the worth of a claim following a car accident. Insurers will look at the entire picture, including the severity of your injuries, evidence related to your claim, the insurance coverage involved, and what steps you have taken. Every decision you make can affect the outcome. Acting promptly, maintaining proper records, and seeking legal advice when necessary can greatly improve your chances of getting what you deserve.