Car accidents are the top reason for personal injury lawsuits in the state of Florida. If you have been in a car accident that resulted from someone else’s carelessness or negligence, you may be able to obtain compensation over and above your own insurance coverage. Here are some tips and ways to maximize your settlement.

However, before you can begin the process towards obtaining a fair accident settlement and compensation, it is essential to seek medical treatment from a physician who can evaluate your injuries and move forward based on the diagnosis. The data and medical reports are critical to the foundation of your claim. Keeping a comprehensive medical record after the accident is a crucial first step in collecting proper documentation of income loss, medical bills, pain, and suffering resulting from your injuries.

We will give you the best advice right away – be sure to call a personal injury attorney with experience in car accident claims and lawsuits. While this may be your first or second car accident, local attorneys have helped thousands of victims to get the compensation they deserve. They know how to navigate the system for your best result. Once you understand the importance of legal representation, follow these tips to maximize your settlement.

Keep Comprehensive and Accurate Records: To the best of your ability, provide an accurate statement at the scene of the accident. You will have better recall immediately following the accident. Track down and keep a record of witness statements, medical records, police reports, prescription receipts, injury photos, and car repair bills. Any document which will reflect what happened and what you are dealing with in the aftermath could prove valuable.
Do it For Yourself: Yes, having a legal advocate is essential. But you are always your best advocate. Provide your lawyer with as much information as you can. Be truthful and open. Keep your records handy, accessible, and updated. When it comes to your claim’s pain and suffering aspect, keeping a daily journey of what you are experiencing may be useful in proving your injuries and pain.
Take As Many Photographs as You Can: Photos of the scene represent a powerful form of evidence. Considering everyone has a camera in their pocket these days, it is easy to take an overabundance of photos. Take photos of the vehicles, skid marks on the road, damage to street signs or curbs, and any details that may affect the case (such as a broken signal light, tree branch limiting line of sight, or pothole) in the middle of the lane. Although going all the way to trial is rare for car accidents, photos are invaluable if you do.
Hold Onto your Medical Records: The other driver’s insurance provider may request copies of your medical records to move the case along. It would be best to alert your attorney and decline to send anything to the other party without attorney approval. Medical information will give them access to information that could work against you in your claim.
Don’t Give in to Pressure: Insurance adjusters will use every trick in the book to convince you to settle for a lesser amount than what’s fair, given your circumstances. Remember, they do this every day, and they are good at it. They may engage you in polite or even empathetic conversation to get you to say something which could harm your claim, such as saying it may have been partially your fault. But they are there to guarantee their company pays as little as possible and will try to get you to settle quickly- before you speak with a lawyer. Stand your ground and never accept the first offer. Your car accident attorney will negotiate for you and can advise you as to which offers are fair.
Keep Visiting Your Physician: Keep attending doctor appointments until your doctor completely clears you. Many people will begin to feel better and then stop going for treatment, but that could work against you. Your doctor knows all about the long-term ramifications of your injuries and can speak best to your future care and prognosis.

Probinsky & Cole are experienced car accident attorneys located in Sarasota, Tampa and Orlando. Call today to discuss what you can expect from your settlement.