5 Things to Do to Maximize Your Car Accident Injury Settlement
Car accidents are stressful, overwhelming, and often confusing, especially when you are dealing with injuries, medical bills, and insurance companies at the same time. Taking the right steps immediately after a car accident can make a significant difference in the value of your injury settlement. Insurance companies and courts scrutinize every detail, so being proactive is crucial. Below are the five most important things you should do to protect your rights and maximize compensation.
1. Call 911 and Obtain a Police Report
No matter how minor the accident may seem, calling the police should always be your first step. Even if it’s a small fender bender or a low-speed collision, a police report provides an official record of the incident.
Police reports are not always conclusive, but insurance companies rely heavily on them when determining liability. If the report clearly assigns fault to the other driver, it can be invaluable later in negotiations or a court case. Additionally, the report documents the scene, the vehicles involved, and any conditions that may have contributed to the accident, such as weather or road hazards.
If you skip calling the police, you may have difficulty proving who caused the accident, which can result in the insurance company undervaluing your claim. Even a minor delay in obtaining a report can impact your ability to pursue full compensation.
2. Collect Contact and Insurance Information from All Parties
Gathering accurate contact and insurance information immediately after the accident is essential. This includes:
Driver’s name, address, and phone number
Vehicle owner’s name and contact information (if different from the driver)
Insurance company and policy number
A photo of the driver’s license and insurance card
Even if you believe a particular driver was not at fault, it’s important to document all drivers and vehicles involved. Sometimes, an owner may be responsible for allowing a reckless driver to operate their car, or multiple parties may share liability.
Without this information, pursuing a claim becomes extremely difficult. In some cases, the insurance company may refuse to provide coverage if you cannot identify the at-fault driver correctly. Having this documentation ensures that you can hold the right party accountable.
3. Take Comprehensive Photos and Videos of the Scene and Injuries
Visual evidence is one of the strongest tools you can use to support your claim. Take photos and videos of:
All vehicles involved in the accident from multiple angles
Damage to each vehicle
Road conditions or hazards that contributed to the accident
Traffic signs, signals, or construction zones
Your injuries, including bruises, cuts, lacerations, and swelling
It’s also important to document the progression of your injuries over time. For example, bruising may change color from purple to yellow, and cuts may scab or leave scars. Progressive photos can be especially important for showing the severity and long-term impact of your injuries.
Insurance adjusters often undervalue claims without clear evidence, and having well-documented photos or videos helps prevent disputes about the extent of your injuries or the cause of the accident.
4. Seek Immediate and Consistent Medical Treatment
One of the most critical steps after a car accident is seeking medical attention. Even if your injuries seem minor, going to the emergency room or urgent care establishes official documentation of your condition. Your doctor can diagnose and treat your injuries while creating a medical record that serves as evidence in your claim.
Consistent follow-up appointments are just as important. Insurance companies look closely at gaps in treatment, often using them to argue that injuries were not severe. Regular medical visits demonstrate that your injuries are real, ongoing, and serious enough to require care.
Follow your doctor’s instructions, take recommended treatments seriously, and keep detailed records of all appointments, prescriptions, and procedures. This documentation not only ensures your recovery but also maximizes the credibility and value of your injury claim.
5. Work With an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
Choosing the right attorney can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Avoid lawyers who rely on billboards, online ads, or marketing gimmicks without a proven track record of taking cases to trial.
An experienced attorney will:
Assess the full value of your claim, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care
Handle negotiations with insurance companies, who often try to settle for the lowest possible amount
Prepare and file lawsuits when necessary, leveraging the threat of trial to secure fair compensation
Advocate for your best interests at every stage of the case
Many lawyers are hesitant to go to court, which can leave you with a lowball settlement. A skilled attorney knows when to push for trial and when to negotiate, ensuring that your case is handled aggressively and ethically. They will also help you manage medical bills, negotiate liens, and calculate damages correctly, making sure you receive the full compensation you deserve.
