Here are 10 things you can do to get the most money from your car accident in Michigan.
1. Be a good person
Nothing increases the value of a car accident case like a good plaintiff. Like most areas of life, those who treat others well do better, and those who treat others poorly do worse. Kind, positive people tend to have more witnesses come out in support of them, and they make better impressions on doctors, defense lawyers, judges, jurors, and insurance representatives, who all have a hand to play in determining how much money a car crash victim receives. Getting the most money from your Michigan car accident starts with just being kind.
2. Tell the truth
The fastest way to devalue your car accident case is to lie, be it to police officers, witnesses, doctors, or at a deposition. Lying is bad for several reasons. First, it’s wrong. Second, it could be a crime, like lying under oath. Third, when the truth comes out, and it usually does, it will destroy your credibility and devalue your case. An honest person will get the most money from their auto accident.
3. Follow your doctor’s advice
Insurance companies look for opportunities to devalue claims. To get the most money from a car accident, you need to follow your doctor’s advice. When a crash victim’s medical records suggest the person is not following doctor’s orders, the insurance company will argue the person is not doing what they can to get better or did not suffer a serious injury in the crash. This hurts your credibility and impacts the case negatively.
4. Work to get better
It’s easy to get wrapped up in proving what the other side did wrong. However, that is not where the real value lies in a car accident case. The real value lies in how an average person responds to obstacles placed in front of them through no fault of their own. When a car accident victim, through their actions, shows they are fighting to get better, they become the hero in the case. People want to reward those who are working to overcome obstacles in their path.
5. Take photos and videos
A photo is worth a thousand words. A compelling photo tells a story. People connect with photos, and they remember them. Take photos of your crash injuries and the vehicles involved in the crash. Compelling photos can increase the value of a car accident case substantially.
6. Be vulnerable
Seeking justice after a car accident is a journey. During your recovery, you are going to confront many obstacles. Some will be physical, like aches and pains, and some will be emotional, like fear, frustration, and stress. There will come a time in your case when you have to tell the story of your recovery. This is not a time to be stoic. This is a time to talk openly and honestly about the ways the crash impacted you, your family, your co-workers, your friends, your finances, and your life. The more open you are, the more the value of your car accident case increases.
7. Be responsive
As Jerry McGuire said, “Help me help you.” To effectively pursue your car accident claim, we need your help. You have documents and information we cannot get through other means. If you don’t communicate with us, we cannot effectively tell your story and maximize the value of your case.
8. Find great witnesses
Here, we are not talking about witnesses to the crash. The police officer should document the crash witnesses’ names and contact information. We can interview them. What we are talking about here are damage witnesses; people who can speak to the impact this crash has had on your life. It is important that you think creatively here. Yes, your spouse, parents, and kids will likely be best positioned to describe the impact this crash has had on you, but don’t stop there. If you were in a traumatic crash, it is likely impacting all areas of your life: relationships, work, friendships, hobbies, etc.
Think of all the people you interact with in these different areas of your life. Share their names and contact information with your lawyer. These witnesses can help you get the most money from a car accident. Your lawyer should interview them about the ways they have seen the crash to have impacted you. For example, maybe you go to breakfast every Saturday at the same place, and always have the same waitress. Maybe, before the crash, you laughed and joked, and the two of you bantered back and forth. Maybe, now, you don’t seem so happy, or you don’t go at all. That waitress could be a critical witness who increases the value of your case, because that waitress can tell the story of who you were before versus who you are after the crash.
9. Be patient
The person who acts quickly in a negotiation generally loses. When negotiating, patience and time are your friend. They signal to the other side that you are not overeager, that you know the value of your case, and that you are prepared to fight for it. Be willing to wait. It could mean the difference between an okay recovery and a great recovery from your car accident.
10. Hire the right car accident lawyer
The law is just like any other profession, there are good lawyers and bad lawyers. Find a Michigan car accident lawyer who listens to you and will fight for you, and then, when you do, put your trust in that person. The two of you must work as a team to truly maximize the value of your car accident.
If you want to know other ways to maximize the value of your case, call or contact Conybeare Law Office now
Talking with an experienced Southwestern Michigan attorney can help you better understand your case’s value and your rights.
The knowledgeable injury attorneys at Conybeare Law Office will help you value your case and fight to get you the money you deserve.
To learn more about the legal services offered to our Michigan car accident clients, talk to our office today. Conybeare Law Office has offices in Saint Joseph and Kalamazoo, Michigan, and serves all of southwest Michigan and beyond. Call or contact us for a free consultation. We look forward to talking with you. Remember, if it’s not fair, call the bear.
The experienced lawyers at Conybeare Law Office will help you get the most money for your car accident. Here are 10 ways to maximize your settlement.