When you’ve been the victim of a car accident, you are entitled to a settlement from the other party’s insurer.
This settlement should cover all medical expenses, car repairs, lost wages, and more.
But do you know the best way to get more money from a car accident settlement in Texas?
The answer is simple: hire a lawyer.
Your lawyer will make sure that no stone is left unturned and protect you against insurers trying to minimize your payout.
Studies show that a car accident victim with legal representation typically secures 3 to 3.5 times more settlement money than those who go it alone. And the best part? You don’t need to pay a penny upfront.
To get started, you can schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys at No Bull Law. They’ll discuss the specifics of your case and outline your legal options.
In the meantime, you can keep reading to understand how a personal injury lawyer can help maximize your settlement.
As a car accident victim, every step you take after the crash can significantly impact your settlement amount.
We can’t stress this enough.
Every mistake you make will devalue your claim, so you must be extra careful about what you say and do.
Here are 11 things you should do to maximize your compensation:
Insurance companies are always looking to minimize their payouts. And since most people aren’t versed in the legal complexities around car accidents, you need protection so they don’t take advantage of your lack of experience.
For example, insurance adjusters might ask you for a recorded statement (and ask you leading questions while you’re at it) or to give them full access to your medical history—information that could be used to reduce your compensation.
They may make it seem like these kinds of steps are regular procedures when they’re not.
An experienced car accident lawyer can prevent these kinds of things from happening. They’ll protect your rights and ensure the insurance company doesn’t undervalue your claim or pressure you into accepting a low offer.
But that’s not all.
They’ll take on stressful tasks, like gathering evidence, calculating economic and non-economic damages, and negotiating a fair settlement with the insurance company. This will give you the peace needed to recover from your car accident injury.
In the upcoming tips, we'll show how a car accident attorney can increase your chances of getting a higher settlement every step of the way.
2. Seek Medical Attention ASAP and Follow Your Treatment Plan
Even if you don’t feel injured right after the auto accident, you must see a doctor immediately.
The reality is that some injuries—like internal damage or soft tissue injuries—may not show immediate symptoms. What feels like a minor ache today could turn into something much more serious tomorrow.
Another reason to seek medical attention is that you’ll need to prove the full extent of your injuries in order to get fair compensation. That means having solid medical records to back up your claims.
Never wait too long to get checked out; the insurer may claim that your injuries aren’t as serious as you’re making them out to be and offer a lower amount.
What if you’re unable to pay for immediate medical care?
Your personal injury lawyer can help you explore options like medical liens or even negotiate extended payment plans with healthcare providers so you can focus on getting better without the financial pressure.
Make sure to stick to your doctor’s treatment plan and keep records of your medical journey, so that every medical expense and treatment is accounted for in your claim, including the initial medical exam, check-ups, physical therapy, etc.
3. Let Your Lawyer Handle the Other Party’s Insurer
In some cases, the other driver’s insurance company might contact you.
But be careful, as it can be a trap. If you speak with them, you put your case at serious risk.
Why?
Their representatives are trained to encourage you to say the wrong things and will try to use whatever you say against you to undervalue your claim.
When you get legal representation, the insurance company is barred from speaking to you directly. All communication must go through your lawyer. This ensures your interests are protected and all discussions are handled properly.
4. Avoid Spilling the Beans on Social Media
Sharing updates about your life after the motor vehicle accident on social media may be tempting, but it's best to resist the urge.
Even seemingly harmless posts can be used as ammunition against your case, damaging your credibility and jeopardizing your chances at a fair settlement. For example, if an attorney for the other party finds a post of you at the gym, they could argue that your injuries haven’t impacted your quality of life.
This is where a personal injury lawyer can be invaluable. They’ll guide you on what you can or cannot post, review your online presence to ensure it doesn’t harm your case, and counter any misinterpretations the other party might attempt to use.
To protect your case, avoid posting anything until you get the settlement.
5. Document All Bills & Expenses
Be sure to keep receipts and document your accident-related expenses. These count as economic damages and may include, but aren’t limited to:
- Medical bills
- Medications
- Therapy sessions
- Auto repair bills
- Lost wages
A car accident attorney can help you identify additional expenses you might overlook, like travel costs for medical appointments or rental car bills. Keeping track of every expense ensures that all of it is factored into your personal injury settlement claim, potentially increasing your compensation.
6. Gather and Preserve Evidence
After an auto accident, you should have two types of evidence: one to establish liability and the other to show how the injuries affect your life.
First, you need to prove that the other driver was at fault. To do that, you should have these in your evidence dossier:
- Photos and videos of the accident scene (preferably showing skid marks and debris).
- Photos of property damage (from multiple angles) and every injury you sustained from the car accident.
- Names and contact information of any witnesses to the accident.
Then, you have to show that the accident impacted your life. You should be prepared with the following evidence:
- Testimony from healthcare providers regarding the long-term impact of your car accident injury (or injuries).
- Documentation of lost wages or any changes in your ability to work due to the accident.
- A record of your pain and suffering, including how your injuries limit your ability to engage in daily activities. Keep a personal journal to log these details.
A car accident lawyer can gather most of the above-mentioned evidence and secure harder-to-get proof, such as surveillance footage, black box data, and testimonies from accident reconstruction experts.
This additional evidence can cover all angles of your accident claim and help you obtain a higher settlement amount.
7. Be Wary of Insurance Company Recommendations
When you file a claim with your insurance company, they often provide a list of recommended auto repair shops. While these shops may seem like a convenient option, some may try to cut corners—whether it's by using lower-quality parts or understating the damage to your vehicle—to keep repair costs down.
Unfortunately, not only does this reduce your settlement amount, it can affect your vehicle in the long run.
Remember, insurers can't force you to pick their repair shop. You have the right to choose any mechanic you trust and get a repair estimate. While the repair costs at your preferred shop may be higher than those recommended by the insurance company, including them in your claim will increase the settlement amount and ensure your car is repaired to a safe, reliable standard.
Similarly, if your insurer requires a medical exam by a doctor of their choice, you can seek a second opinion afterward. The insurance company’s doctors are paid by them and may prioritize quick assessments or recommend less comprehensive treatments to minimize costs.
A personal injury attorney can refer you to an unbiased practitioner, ensuring a fair and thorough diagnosis that reveals the full extent of your injuries. This can strengthen your case, helping to justify higher medical bills and secure a larger settlement.
8. Account for Future Expenses
For major injuries, you might need ongoing treatments, like physical therapy or even surgeries, that could affect your life for years to come.
A lawyer can collaborate with medical professionals to understand what procedures you might have to undergo in the future. They also ensure those medical expenses are factored into your personal injury settlement. This way, you wouldn’t have to pay out of pocket in the future.
9. Make a Fair and Detailed Settlement Claim
Insurers may push back and question claims that will hurt their bottom line.
However, lawyers experienced in personal injury law know how to justify their claims using expert medical opinions and key evidence. They can demonstrate the seriousness of your injuries and their long-term impact, building a strong case for why you deserve a specific amount.
Familiarity with past settlements will tell them exactly what you’re entitled to—and they will aim for a figure that reflects that.
Since the insurance company will probably start with a lower offer, your lawyer might ask for 25 -100% more than your target settlement amount, leaving room for negotiation.
10. Don’t Accept the Insurer’s First Offer
While it might be appealing to get money quickly, remember that the first settlement offer will be a fraction of your claim's value.
Insurance companies often make lowball offers because they want to settle for as little as possible, hoping you’ll accept before fully understanding all the losses you’ve incurred.
So, why settle for crumbs when you can get the whole cookie?
You should reject the first offer and let a lawyer negotiate for higher compensation. We understand it may take longer, but it’s worth the wait, as a fair amount will help you recover every expense you’ve incurred from the accident.
11. Get Everything in Writing
Keep detailed notes or even transcripts of any conversations with the insurance company (a personal injury attorney will make certain of this). That way, if the insurance adjuster contradicts themselves or offers a lower settlement than promised, you have a solid record to hold them accountable.
Additionally, you should request that the settlement offer be put in writing, along with a clear breakdown of the compensation. This ensures you fully understand what’s being offered and can make an informed decision.
Now, let's take a look at the potential amount you could receive.
How Much Can You Get from a Car Accident Settlement in Texas?
It’s hard to predict the value of a settlement because every motor vehicle accident is unique.
That said, here are some average settlement amounts for car accidents:
- Cases with property damage only: $5,300
- Cases with bodily injury: $22,700
- Cases with severe injuries (fractures, burns, etc.): $50,000 - $175,000
Keep in mind that your compensation will depend on factors specific to your car accident case, so you shouldn’t set expectations based on average numbers.
What Factors Impact Your Car Accident Settlement?
Your compensation could vary from the average settlement due to several factors:
- Severity of injuries: The more intensive your medical care and recovery, the higher your potential settlement.
- Liability: If you're found to be more responsible for the accident, your settlement will decrease by the percentage of your fault. If you’re over 51% at fault, you won’t receive any compensation.
- Policy Limits: Insurers will only pay out up to the maximum amount allowed under the at-fault party’s policy, even if your damages are worth more.
- Legal Representation: As mentioned earlier, lawyers can maximize your settlement amount by 3 - 3.5x.
If you are looking for a Texas car accident lawyer, our legal professionals can help with your claim.
Get the Maximum Possible Settlement with No Bull Law
At No Bull Law, we believe in tackling your car accident claim with precision and care. Our attorneys are well-versed in personal injury law and can use their experience to fight fiercely for fair compensation.
Here’s our three-step process for cases involving car accidents:
- Start your claim: Consult us for free personalized advice, and we will show you the road ahead and highlight potential outcomes.
- We get to work: We’ll start investigating your car accident claim and assessing the evidence.
- We fight for you: Once we take your case, we won’t back down until we get every last cent you are entitled to.
And remember, you don’t owe us anything upfront. We’ll only charge you once we win your case.
Ready to grab your Texas car accident settlement by the horns?
