Cogburn Davidson Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers | March 19, 2025 | Car Accidents
After a car accident in Las Vegas, NV, you might be dealing with injuries, medical bills, and lost wages. Filing an injury claim from a car accident incident can feel overwhelming. Here are 15 tips that you can use to effectively settle your car accident claim and receive maximum compensation.
15 Proven Strategies To Maximize Your Settlement
While there are other strategies that may be helpful, these are the most important tips you should take into account when settling your claim:
1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Get medical help right away after a traffic accident injury claim. Records from the start create a clear link between the crash and your injuries. Even if you feel “fine,” some injuries show symptoms days later. A prompt medical exam creates an official record that connects your injuries to the accident.
2. Follow Your Treatment Plan(s)
Go to every appointment and follow your doctor’s advice to show you’re serious about getting better. Insurance companies watch your medical care closely. Missing appointments gives them reason to claim you aren’t really hurt or that you’re making your injuries worse by not following medical advice.
3. Document Everything Thoroughly
Documenting your accident properly is essential for your claim’s success. Keep records of:
- Police reports
- Medical records and bills
- Photos of injuries and vehicle damage
- Witness information
Thorough documentation prevents disputes about your auto accident injury claim.
4. Calculate All Damages Accurately
Don’t undervalue your claim by only counting medical bills. Your compensation should include:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
Proper calculations can significantly increase your settlement value.
5. Understand Comparative Negligence
Nevada has a modified comparative negligence rule. Your share of the fault may cut your payment. You can’t get any money if you’re found more than 50% at fault. Insurance companies often try to shift blame to reduce their payout, so evidence that shows the other driver’s responsibility is crucial.
6. Be Cautious With Recorded Statements
Insurance adjusters hope you’ll say something that negatively affects your car wreck injury claim. They’re trained to ask questions that trick you into admitting fault or minimizing your injuries. A single recorded statement can significantly damage your case. Politely say no to recorded statements until you’ve talked with a legal expert.
7. Don’t Accept The First Offer
First offers are almost always less than what your claim is worth. Good negotiating can raise your offer by 30% or more. Insurance companies count on claimants being eager to settle quickly. Patience and persistence often lead to significantly higher settlements as the negotiation process continues.
8. Gather Strong Evidence Of Liability
Strong evidence makes your case more compelling. Useful evidence includes:
- Traffic camera footage
- Witness statements
- Expert accident reconstruction
Clear evidence gives the insurance company fewer ways to deny your claim.
9. Document Non-Economic Damages
Pain and suffering can form a significant portion of your settlement. Keep a daily journal describing your pain levels and emotional struggles. Photos of injuries, activities you can no longer enjoy, and testimony from friends and family about how your life has changed can greatly increase the value of these non-economic damages.
10. Understand Insurance Policy Limits
Make sure you’re aware of all potential sources of coverage. Know all available insurance coverage, including:
- The at-fault driver’s policy
- Your underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage
- Personal injury protection benefits
Using multiple insurance sources can increase your total recovery.
11. Wait Until You Reach Maximum Medical Improvement
Being patient ensures your settlement covers all future care. Many crash victims accept settlements before understanding the full extent of their injuries, only to discover they need additional surgeries or treatments that aren’t covered by their settlement.
12. Present A Professional Demand Package
A comprehensive demand letter sets the tone for negotiations and shows you’re serious. Include liability analysis, medical documentation, and damage calculations.
13. Be Prepared For Litigation
Insurance companies often offer more money when you’re willing to go to court. You must file within Nevada’s two-year time limit.
14. Consider Future Complications
Your settlement should account for potential long-term issues and ongoing treatment needs. This is especially important with spine, brain, or joint injuries, which may worsen over time. Medical experts can provide testimony about your future prognosis and treatment needs to support your claim for future damages.
15. Work With Experienced Professionals
The best way to get fair car injury compensation is to work with experts who know the process well. A skilled team knows insurance company tactics and how to counter them.
Taking The Next Step
If you need help with a car accident injury claim in Las Vegas, don’t fight the insurance companies by yourself. Reach out to a personal injury lawyer to schedule a free consultation.
Contact the Las Vegas Car Accident Lawyers from Cogburn Davidson Car Accidents and Personal Injury Lawyers for Legal Help Today
For more information, please contact our Las Vegas Car Accident attorneys at Cogburn Davidson car accidents and Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.
We proudly serve Clark County and throughout Nevada:
Cogburn Davidson Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers Las Vegas
2300 W Sahara Ave Suite 800-816, Las Vegas, NV 89102
(702) 996-4786
Open 24 hours
Cogburn Davidson Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers Henderson
2580 St Rose Pkwy Suite 330, Henderson, NV 89074
(702) 541-9766
Open 24 hours
