When someone is injured in a car accident, the typical course is to request compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. The insurance company strives to minimize how much it spends per claim, so the first offer for a settlement is likely going to be incredibly low. However, there are some things the victim can do to make sure they do not accept a settlement that’s too low. 

Don’t Settle Too Fast

Many people end up settling too fast and find out their car accident claim was undervalued and they have to pay the remaining expenses out of pocket. Instead, it’s a better idea to avoid accepting the first settlement offer. Initially, the settlement offer will be low because the insurance company is trying to avoid paying the full amount of money. If the settlement is accepted, the victim likely can’t ask for more if they find out they could have received more. It’s much better to avoid accepting the settlement and work on getting a higher amount at first. 

Build a Stronger Case

Take the time to go through all bills and expenses from the accident to make sure the settlement will cover everything. Make sure all evidence and receipts are organized to make it easy to reference them during negotiations or if the case ends up going to court. If the victim hires a lawyer, the lawyer will want to see all of the bills or receipts to make sure the settlement offer is high enough or to negotiate for more money for their client. Save everything, even if it doesn’t seem relevant or likely to make a big difference, just in case it’s needed. 

Know What Can Be Included for Compensation

Most people already know they can get compensation for medical costs and car repairs. However, they might not realize that they can be compensated for other expenses related to the accident, too. This could include future medical care, lost wages, expenses needed during recovery like help cleaning the house, and more. They may also be able to get punitive damages, which allow them to get more money as a way of punishing the at-fault driver. They will want to talk to a lawyer about the case to learn more about what they can request for compensation and how it can help them get a higher settlement. 

Avoid Talking to the Insurance Company

Far too many people will end up talking to the insurance company and inadvertently saying something that will hurt their case. It’s never a good idea to talk to the at-fault driver’s insurance company, as they can and will use anything that’s said, even out of context, to help minimize the amount of compensation they’ll pay. Instead, it’s a better idea to let a lawyer handle those phone calls and to work on negotiations to make sure they are successful. 

If you’ve been injured in an accident and you’re owed compensation, don’t settle for an amount that’s way too low. Instead, make sure you use the tips here and work with a lawyer. This way, you can make sure you receive compensation for all accident-related expenses and ensure you get as much money as possible. Talk to a lawyer about your case to see how they can help. 

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Rideshare services like Lyft and Uber have become a part of everyday life for many people. While they offer convenience and flexibility, accidents involving these services are unfortunately common.

Whether you’re a passenger, driver, or someone involved in the crash, it’s important to know how to protect yourself and your legal rights. In the aftermath of a rideshare accident, collecting the right information can make a big difference in the outcome of your case.

Rideshare accidents can involve multiple parties, including the driver, the rideshare company, and other vehicles, making the compensation process quite challenging. That’s where experienced Lyft and Uber accident lawyers come in. They can guide you through the process and ensure that your claim is handled properly.

Here are some vital pieces of information you must collect after an accident.

Key Information to Collect After a Rideshare Accident

1. Contact Information: As with any car accident, the first thing you should do after a rideshare accident is exchange contact information with all involved parties. This includes:

• The rideshare driver’s name, phone number, and driver’s license number.
• The insurance details of the rideshare driver and any other drivers involved in the accident.
• The contact information of any witnesses who may have seen the accident.

2. Details of the Accident Scene: Take as many photos as possible of the accident scene, including:

• The vehicles involved, their damages, and the surrounding area.
• Any traffic signs or signals that might be relevant to the case.
• Road conditions or weather factors that could have contributed to the accident

3. The Rideshare Driver’s Information: You’ll need to collect specific details from the rideshare driver:

• The make, model, and license plate number of the vehicle.
• The name and phone number of the driver.
• The rideshare service they were using (Uber or Lyft).
• The driver’s identification number (this can usually be found in the rideshare app)

4. Data from the Rideshare App: Most rideshare services have apps that allow you to access important details after an accident. Here’s what you should look for:

• The trip details, including the time and location of the accident.
• The driver’s name and photo, which you can find in the app.
• If possible, take a screenshot of the app showing the driver’s information and the trip details

5. The Police Report: A police report is essential in any legal claim. It will provide an unbiased account of the accident and may include important details about fault, traffic violations, and evidence gathered at the scene.

Why You Should Hire Rideshare Accident Lawyers

Rideshare accidents can be more complicated than typical car accidents due to the involvement of rideshare companies and the varying insurance policies they offer. It’s essential to work with experienced rideshare accident lawyers who understand the complexities of these cases. They can help you:

• Navigate the legal process and communicate with insurance companies.
• Investigate the cause of the accident and gather evidence.
• Ensure that you’re receiving the appropriate compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and other damages.

Final Thoughts

Being involved in a rideshare accident can be a confusing and stressful experience, but knowing what information to collect can help you protect your rights. By gathering details about the accident, documenting the scene, and contacting the authorities in time, you’ll be in a better position to pursue a fair claim.

And, with the help of skilled rideshare accident lawyers, you can ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

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Car accidents are stressful. Most people are uncertain of what to anticipate. On top of the shock and confusion, there is a great deal of misinformation regarding car accident claims.

This article examines five common myths about car accident claims. Believing these myths can cost you time, money, and even the compensation you may deserve.

1.   You Don’t Need a Lawyer for a Simple Case

Most people think they can handle everything on their own if the accident is minor. It is true that some cases are straightforward, but that isn’t always the case. Even a small accident may lead to unexpected medical bills or disputes with the insurance company.

Car accident lawyers can help you understand your rights and make sure you are treated fairly. They understand how insurance companies work and may note potential issues that could affect you, which you may overlook. A lawyer can also handle the paperwork and negotiations.

2.   The Insurance Company Will Handle Everything

It is easy to think that your insurance company will take care of everything for you. After all, you pay them to help in situations such as this, right?

Unfortunately, insurance companies do not always act in your best interests.

Insurance companies are there to help, but they do not always have your best interests at heart. Their goal is to pay the least amount possible. That may mean undervaluing your claim and trying to close the claim as fast as possible. Always make sure to go over their offer very carefully, and do not be afraid to negotiate. Getting help from a lawyer will make sure you get what you are entitled to.

3.   You Have Plenty of Time to File a Claim

Some people believe that they have plenty of time to file a claim after an accident. However, this is a high-risk move that can cost you.

There are strict deadlines, referred to as the statute of limitations, for filing claims. If you miss this deadline, then you lose your chance to recover any compensation.

Quick action helps in preserving evidence, too. As time goes on, the memories of the witnesses somehow fade away, physical evidence disappears, and so on. All in all, the earlier you begin the process, the stronger your case will be.

4.   You Can’t Claim if You Were Partly at Fault

Many people think they can’t file a claim if they share some responsibility for the accident. This isn’t true in most states. In many cases, you can still receive compensation, even if you were partly to blame.

The amount you would receive depends on your percentage fault in the accident. For example, if you are 20% at fault, your compensation is reduced by 20%.

The key is that you speak with a legal professional so that they can help you understand the rules and how they apply to your case.

5.   You Should Accept the First Settlement Offer

When dealing with bills and repairs, a quick settlement may sound like the best option. In reality, the first offer from any insurance company is rarely the best.

These initial offers are often low because the insurance company wants to close the case quickly and cheaply. Take your time to evaluate the offer. Consider all your expenses, including future medical bills or lost wages. Don’t rush into an agreement just because you want the process to be over.

Final Thoughts

Car accidents are overwhelming, but dealing with claims doesn’t have to be. Understanding these common myths will help you avoid costly mistakes and take control of the process.

If in doubt, seek professional advice about your rights and options. A little help can go a long way in getting the compensation you deserve.

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