Optimize Your Potential Auto Accident Settlement Using These Tips And Tricks

Traffic accidents are the biggest reason people tend to file personal injury claims within the United States. Because of this, it shouldn't be tough to find an attorney to work with who has experience representing those hurt in a crash due to negligence of the other party. Although your lawyer will do most of the legwork in your case, it's a good idea to take some steps that will help them do their jobs well so you can optimize the potential settlement you receive for your pain and suffering. Consider using the following methods and techniques:

Maintain a Daily Recovery Diary

It is essential to document your recovery after the accident so that your attorney can prove the extent of your injuries to the court. You can use your daily diary to document your financial and medical troubles that result from your injuries as well. The information in your recovery diary will help paint a clear picture of what you're going through so that your lawyer can better negotiate a settlement that's fair with the other party's insurance adjuster and the court. Use a new notebook as your recovery diary and spend a little time each evening to document:

• All medications you've had to take throughout the day for your pain or medical problems that have resulted from your car accident injuries.

• Any scheduled doctor and physical therapy appointments that you attended.

• Your frame of mind about the symptoms and pain you are experiencing due to the accident.

• All financial losses you incurred because of having to miss work during the day.

It's also a good idea to note any effects that the accident and your resulting injuries have on your family members within your daily diary when applicable.

Take Plenty of Photos

An excellent way to support your lawyer while representing you in your personal injury case is to create as much photo evidence as possible. Take some time to go back to the accident scene and take photographs of landmarks, street signs, skid marks on the road, and any other visual evidence that may help create a clear understanding of how the accident actually took place. It's also important to take pictures of any damage that has been done to your vehicle before any repairs are made. Additionally, you should photograph any visual bodily injuries you have as soon as possible after the accident and as they heal. Have two copies of the photos developed so you can keep a set and your attorney can use a set when negotiating your case.

Make Duplicates of Your Paperwork

You can save your lawyer some time, and therefore possible save money on legal fees, by gathering any paperwork that can help prove your case for them so they don't have to do it themselves. If possible, provide your attorney with the following:

• Bills that are related to your various medical treatments and medications.

• Expenses that stem from your injuries that you've had to pay for out of pocket.

• Receipts for rental cars or any other transportation expenses that you incur while your personal vehicle is being fixed.

• Official letters from your employer that document your loss income due to missing work.

• Bills that are associated with any vehicle repairs you had to have completed.

• Any insurance deductible or medical co-pay expenses that you have been charged for.

It's a good idea to ask your lawyer for a full list of paperwork that you can gather for them to ensure that nothing important is overlooked. Make two copies of all your paperwork so you can keep a set, your lawyer can keep a set, and a set can be submitted to the court if necessary.

These tips and tricks shouldn't be tough to implement, yet they should help ensure that you are fairly compensated for all of the pain, suffering, expenses, and loss of income you've experienced due to your car accident. To get in touch with a lawyer, contact a firm like The Jaklitsch Law Group.