How To Increase Personal Injury Settlement Values

After a car accident, your immediate concerns naturally center on managing the aftermath, such as dealing with damaged vehicles, insurance claims and medical bills. Increasing the value of your personal injury settlement is a top priority. However, obtaining a fair settlement can be challenging, as insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts, and the claims process itself can be complex and frustrating.

There are several important steps you can take to improve your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve. By being proactive, you can significantly increase your settlement value and help ensure your injuries and losses are fully acknowledged.

At Sargon Law Group, we are experienced at helping car accident victims maximize their settlements and rebuild their lives. Discover effective ways to increase your personal injury settlement value.

6 Ways To Get the Most Money in a Car Accident

Maximizing your personal injury settlement is about more than just filing a claim and hoping for the best. It requires careful attention to detail, thorough documentation and an understanding of your rights. Here are the six key steps to help you get the most from your settlement after a car accident.

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention

One of the very first and most important steps to take after an accident is to get medical care immediately, even if you think your injuries are minor. Your medical records form the backbone of your personal injury claim.

Insurance companies rely heavily on medical documentation to determine whether your injuries were caused by the accident and to what extent. A timely visit to a hospital or doctor establishes a clear connection between the accident and your injuries. Without this, an insurance company may argue that your injuries are unrelated to the accident or existed beforehand, which can drastically reduce your settlement value.

Additionally, early medical treatment shows that you made a reasonable effort to mitigate your damages. Courts and insurers expect injured parties to take steps to reduce further harm. If you delay care, the other side might claim you worsened your condition and try to deny or lower your claim.

Finally, even if you feel fine initially, some injuries like whiplash or internal trauma don’t show symptoms right away. Getting a full medical evaluation can catch these hidden injuries early and provide the documentation you need for a strong claim.

2. Keep Records

Documentation is essential for increasing settlement value. The more detailed and organized your records, the easier it is to prove your case and justify a higher settlement.

Medical Procedures and Expenses

Keep track of every medical visit related to your accident, including emergency room treatments, follow-up appointments, surgeries, physical therapy sessions, medications and diagnostic tests. Note down dates, providers’ names, treatment details and costs. Medical bills and records provide undeniable proof of the extent of your injuries and necessary care.

Lost Wages and Earning Capacity

Injuries often result in time off work. Make sure to keep a detailed record of every day you missed and any wages lost as a result. If you’re self-employed, tracking lost income is even more important.

If your injuries affect your ability to work long-term, such as preventing you from performing the same job or requiring you to reduce your hours, be sure to document this impact thoroughly. Pay stubs, tax returns and statements from your employer can help demonstrate the reduction in your earning capacity, which insurance companies must consider when determining your settlement.

Property Damage Documentation

Your vehicle and other personal property damaged in the accident are all considered part of your total losses. Take clear photos of any damage immediately after the accident and keep repair estimates and receipts. These will help you recover repair or replacement costs as part of your settlement.

Police Reports

Calling the police at the scene is one of the smartest moves you can make after an accident. The police report provides an official, impartial account of what happened, including key details like date, time, location, involved parties and often a preliminary determination of fault.

Obtaining a copy of the police report is essential evidence for your claim. It provides credibility to your version of events and can be especially useful if liability is contested.

Pain and Suffering Journal

The physical pain and emotional distress caused by an accident can be significant, but are harder to prove than medical bills. Keeping a daily journal documenting your pain levels, emotional struggles, sleep issues and how your injury affects your daily activities creates a personal record of your suffering.

Over time, these journal entries can demonstrate the ongoing impact of your injuries and support your claim for non-economic damages like pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life and emotional trauma.

3. Gather Evidence To Prove Liability



Establishing fault is a fundamental part of increasing your settlement value. If you can’t prove the other party was liable for the accident, your claim will be weak and may be denied entirely.

A skilled personal injury attorney can help you identify who is responsible and assist in gathering strong evidence to back up your claim.

Good evidence to collect includes:

• Witness Statements: People who saw the accident can provide unbiased accounts that support your version of events. Collect contact information and written or recorded statements from any witnesses at the scene.
• Video and Photographs: If you have a dashboard-mounted camera, it could provide a clear record of the accident. Nearby security cameras might also have captured the event. Even if no video exists, photos taken immediately after the crash of the vehicles, the scene, skid marks and damage are invaluable.
• Documentation of Negligence: Proving that the other driver acted recklessly or negligently can significantly increase your chances of receiving a higher settlement. Examples of negligence include speeding and distracted driving, such as texting, eating, or fiddling with the radio and heating controls. It also includes driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, aggressive or erratic driving and failing to obey traffic signals. Often, evidence of this can be found in the police report.

Proving negligence can be the difference between a lowball offer and a fair settlement that covers all your damages.

4. Avoid Social Media

Social media can quickly become a liability during a personal injury claim. Insurance adjusters and defense attorneys routinely monitor social media profiles to find anything that contradicts your claim.

For example, posting pictures or videos showing you engaging in physical activities, hiking, playing sports, or social outings can be used to argue your injuries aren’t as serious as you claim. Posts showing you shopping or dining out may suggest your financial situation wasn’t badly affected by the accident. Even venting frustrations or discussing your case on social media can be twisted or taken out of context and used against you in negotiations or court.

It's important to remember that privacy settings don’t guarantee your posts are private. Screenshots and shared content can circulate beyond your intended audience. The safest strategy is to avoid posting anything about your injury, recovery, or settlement until your case is fully resolved.

5. Do Not Settle With Insurance Right Away

Insurance companies often try to settle claims quickly and for as little money as possible. Shortly after you file a claim, you might receive a settlement offer that seems like an easy solution.

Rejecting the first settlement offer may be the better move. Early offers usually undervalue your claim and don’t fully account for ongoing medical treatment, lost wages, or future expenses. Accepting a quick settlement may mean giving up your right to pursue additional compensation later.

Taking your time and consulting with a personal injury lawyer before accepting any offer is a good idea. A lawyer can help you understand what a fair settlement looks like and negotiate for a higher payout on your behalf.

6. Accurately Identify All Possible Damages

Knowing the full range of damages you can claim can help guide your path when seeking a higher settlement.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are the monetary costs you can calculate and prove with bills, receipts and pay records. These include:

• Medical Bills: This accounts for all expenses related to your treatment after the accident. Compensation for medical bills can cover ambulance rides, emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, prescribed medications, rehabilitation therapies and any ongoing medical care or treatment you may need as a result of your injuries.
• Property Damage: This refers to the costs required to repair or replace your vehicle and any other personal belongings that were damaged in the accident. Claiming damages for this expense ensures you are compensated for the financial loss of your property.
• Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Capacity: Claiming lost wages can cover the income you lose while you are unable to work due to your injuries. Additionally, if your injuries permanently affect your ability to perform your job or limit the number of hours you can work, you may be entitled to compensation for this ongoing financial impact.

You can pursue all these damages together; you don’t have to choose one or the other.

Non-Economic

Non-economic damages compensate for intangible losses like physical pain, emotional distress, mental anguish and reduced enjoyment of life. Although harder to quantify, these damages are real and can be significant . Your pain and suffering journal can help prove them.

Punitive

In rare cases where the at-fault party’s conduct was particularly egregious or intentional, courts may award punitive damages. These are designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future. Punitive damages are not awarded in every case, but can substantially increase your settlement if applicable.

How an Experienced Attorney Maximizes Your Settlement

While you can take many of these steps on your own, the legal process can be complex and overwhelming, especially while you’re recovering. Hiring an experienced personal injury attorney gives you a major advantage.

Managing Communication

Insurance companies are experts at minimizing payouts and can use delays or confusing language to wear you down after sending a demand letter. An attorney can handle all communications, protect you from unfair tactics and ensure you don’t inadvertently say anything that harms your claim.

Calculating Damages

Determining the full extent of your damages is not always obvious. Medical expenses can continue for months or years, vehicle repair costs may increase and the long-term effects on your ability to work might only become clear over time. Attorneys know what to look for and how to calculate future damages, making sure you’re compensated fully.

Skilled Negotiation

Negotiating a personal injury settlement requires knowledge, experience and confidence. Lawyers know the tactics insurance adjusters use and can fight for a higher settlement on your behalf. They can also advise you when a settlement offer is too low and when litigation is necessary.

Trial Preparation

If negotiations fail, your case may need to go to trial. Preparing for court involves collecting evidence, filing paperwork and building a strong argument. These are tasks best handled by an attorney. They can guide you through the process and represent you in front of a judge or jury as well as answer questions you may have about lawsuit settlements.

Our Lawyers Can Help You Understand How to Increase Settlement Value

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, having skilled legal support can make all the difference in securing the compensation you deserve. At Sargon Law Group, we focus on protecting your interests throughout the entire claims process, from organizing essential evidence to handling complex negotiations and, if needed, pursuing litigation.

With our guidance, you can approach your settlement with confidence, knowing that every aspect of your case is carefully managed to maximize your recovery. Don’t navigate this challenging process alone. Contact us at Sargon Law Group today and take the first step toward achieving the full settlement you deserve.