Car accidents are stressful and costly, with medical bills, lost wages, and repairs adding up fast. In Augusta, Georgia, you can seek compensation, but insurance companies often push low settlements. Many people accept less than they deserve without realizing their case’s value. You can maximize your compensation and avoid settling for less with the right approach.
Gather Strong Evidence at the Scene
The evidence you collect after a crash can make or break your claim. It helps prove what happened and allows you to push back against insurance companies that downplay your injuries. Here’s what to do:
- Take Photos – Capture vehicle damage, the accident scene, skid marks, road signs, traffic signals, and visible injuries. Document debris or poor road conditions if relevant.
- Get Witness Statements – Ask witnesses for their contact info and a brief statement about what they saw. Their testimony can help prove who caused the crash.
- Call the Police – A police report provides an official accident record, which is valuable in negotiations. Request a copy.
- Exchange Information – Get the other driver’s name, contact details, and insurance info. Be polite, but don’t admit fault or apologize.
- Look for Surveillance Cameras – If the accident happened near a business or intersection, note the locations of any cameras. Your lawyer can check for security footage that could support your claim.
Understand the Full Extent of Your Losses
Many accident victims underestimate their losses and accept low settlements. Before agreeing to anything, ensure you understand the full value of your claim.
- Get Medical Attention – Even if you feel fine, see a doctor. Some injuries take time to appear, and delaying treatment can hurt your health and claim. Keep all medical records and bills.
- Consider Long-Term Costs – Ongoing treatment, therapy, or lost earning potential should be included in your claim. Insurers won’t automatically cover these—you must prove them.
- Document Everything – Track all accident-related expenses, including medical travel, prescriptions, and home or vehicle modifications.
- Account for Lost Wages – You can claim lost income if your injuries prevent you from working. You may be entitled to more compensation if your future earning potential suffers because of your injuries.
Be Careful When Dealing with Insurance Adjusters
Insurance companies aren’t looking out for your best interests—they’re trying to protect their bottom line. Here’s how to handle conversations with adjusters:
- Don’t Give a Recorded Statement – Adjusters may ask for a recorded statement soon after the accident. You are not required to provide one, and it’s best to decline. They may try to twist your words to minimize your claim.
- Stick to the Facts – Keep your answers short and factual when discussing the accident. Don’t speculate, downplay your injuries, or admit fault.
- Watch Out for Quick Settlement Offers – The first offer from an insurance company is almost always lower than the value of your case. They hope you’ll accept it before realizing the full extent of your losses.
- Get Everything in Writing – Keep records of all conversations with the insurance company, including emails, letters, and notes from phone calls.
Keep Detailed Medical Records
Medical documentation is one of the most substantial kinds of evidence in a car accident claim. Without it, the insurance company may argue that your injuries aren’t as serious as you claim.
- Follow All Treatment Plans – If your doctor recommends physical therapy, accept it. Missing appointments or stopping treatment early can make it seem like your injuries aren’t that bad.
- Save All Medical Bills and Receipts. This includes hospital stays, surgeries, prescriptions, therapy sessions, and any other treatment-related expenses.
- Ask for a Doctor’s Statement – Your doctor can provide a written statement explaining how the accident caused your injuries and what long-term effects you may experience.
Comprehensive medical records strengthen your claim and leave little room for the insurance company to downplay your injuries—document everything and follow your treatment plan.
Know How to Negotiate for a Higher Settlement
Most car accident claims are settled through negotiations and don’t go to trial, but without legal experience, pushing back against lowball offers can be difficult. An experienced attorney can handle every step of the process to maximize your settlement.
- Rejecting Low Offers – Insurance companies start low, hoping you’ll accept quickly. A lawyer knows when to push back and demand more.
- Building a Strong Case – Attorneys gather key evidence like medical records, accident photos, witness statements, and financial documents to justify a higher settlement.
- Knowing Your Case’s Worth – Lawyers understand fair compensation based on similar cases and ensure you don’t settle for less than you deserve.
- Handling Negotiations – Insurance adjusters may pressure you into a quick settlement. Your attorney protects you from unfair tactics and fights for the full value of your claim.
With a skilled lawyer advocating for you, you won’t have to handle complex negotiations alone—let a professional work to secure the compensation you deserve.
Consider Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit
Filing a lawsuit may be the next step if negotiations don’t result in a fair settlement. Insurance companies are more likely to take your claim seriously when they know you’re willing to go to court.
- Understand Georgia’s Statute of Limitations – In Georgia, you generally have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. Waiting too long could mean losing your right to seek compensation.
- Work with a Lawyer – Filing a lawsuit involves complex legal procedures. A Georgia car accident attorney can handle the legal side while you focus on recovery.
Taking legal action shows the insurance company you mean business. Don’t wait too long, and consult a lawyer to protect your rights.
Hiring a Car Accident Attorney Can Make a Difference
Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and lawyers working to minimize your payout, and going up against them alone can put you at a serious disadvantage. A skilled attorney can level the playing field and fight for your deserved compensation.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, don’t risk settling for less—Chris Hudson Law Group is ready to advocate for you. Call (706) 863-6600 or visit our contact page to schedule your free consultation with a Georgia car accident lawyer today.