4 Things That Can Affect Your Car Accident Claim
There are a number of factors that can impact your car accident settlement amount. But, there are four that can dramatically increase or decrease the amount you receive.
Understanding these factors will help you better understand the settlement process, and what the outcome means for you.
Your Version of the Accident – and its Consistency
It is understandable and normal to forget the details of an accident and remember them later. But, if you give multiple stories that are all inconsistent, then this may hurt your settlement. This is especially true if you tell your attorney as well as any third parties all different accounts.
Details are important and when the versions of your story don’t add up to something consistent, you won’t get the maximum settlement.
To get the maximum settlement amount, you need to be consistent with every telling of your story, whether it is to a doctor, defense attorney, investigator, insurance adjuster, etc.
Evidence of Negligence
To collect a settlement, you must prove that the other driver was negligent; and that negligence caused your injuries.
The settlement you receive is based on how negligent the other driver was and whether or not you contributed to your own injuries.
Doctors’ Opinions and Your Injury Claims
Personal injury settlements rely on injuries. That means you need medical records from a doctor that support any injury claims. A doctor’s report isn’t enough.
You must also include detailed medical records, such as tests proving your injuries, prescription medications, and enough documentation to show you actually suffered an injury.
If you do not have medical documentation, the insurance adjuster may decide that you exaggerated or lied about your injuries altogether.
Post-Accident Lifestyle versus Complaints
When a person makes a claim that his or her life was dramatically altered because of an accident, insurance companies and attorneys will want to see proof your lifestyle was in fact changed.
This means showing you can no longer work. For example, if you claim that you are disabled, then taking a skiing trip shouldn’t be an option, especially when you claim you can no longer walk.
Another example is with back injuries. If you claim your back was injured and that you can no longer lift more than 10 pounds—which means you had to quit your job—but you are caught lifting a 50 pound bag by an investigator, then this may compromise your settlement amount.
Want the Highest Settlement? Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
If you want the maximum settlement you are entitled to, then contact a personal injury attorney right away.
Boca Raton personal injury attorney at Glotzer & Kobren can assess your case during a free consultation and tell you right away if you have a valid claim. We fight for our clients’ right to compensation. Call now to schedule your consultation appointment.
If you or a loved one is injured in an accident, contact Glotzer & Kobren, P.A. at Glotzerlaw.com to discuss your rights. Serving Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Deerfield Beach & throughout Florida.
