Auto accidents are overwhelming. Dealing with insurance companies and medical bills when you’re already swamped with work? Terrifying.
Nobody who works full-time has time to negotiate with insurance adjusters, fill out medical forms, and communicate with attorneys. It’s just life.
But if you handle those things wrong, you could end up settling for far less than you deserve.
Luckily…
There are a few simple tricks that allow busy professionals to work with auto accident settlement attorneys to protect their rights. Without putting their career on hold.
This article will teach you:
- Why Auto Accidents Impact Professionals More Than Others
- How The Auto Accident Settlement Process Works
- The 5 Things All Professionals Should Do After An Accident
- How To Choose The Right Attorney To Maximize Your Settlement
- The Simple Mistakes That Will Drain Your Settlement
Let’s dive in.
Why Auto Accidents Impact Professionals More Than Others
Car accidents cause financial, physical, and mental damage to everyone. But when you’re a busy professional, it compounds.
Just lost time at work can lead to lost contracts, missed deadlines, and unhappy clients. On top of hospital bills, your income suffers too.
Breaking down exactly how many people are impacted yearly by motor vehicle accidents really puts it into perspective.
The recent data show that 39,345 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2024. Over 2 million were injured that same year.
That means 2 million+ individual people had to deal with the legal aftermath of a crash.
Insurance companies are counting on busy professionals wanting to just wrap things up as soon as possible. That’s why they make those quick, lowball offers.
Of course, those offers barely cover any of your damages. Especially when compared to what an attorney can help you obtain.
Which is why having experienced Tampa auto accident attorneys on your side is so important. Let the professionals handle your case while you go back to work.
How The Auto Accident Settlement Process Works
Knowing what to expect during the settlement process can ease your stress.
There are five main stages of the auto accident settlement process.
Stage 1: Filing A Claim
A claim should be filed with the at-fault driver’s insurance company ASAP. The sooner your case can begin, the sooner you can move on with life.
Stage 2: Investigation
Insurers investigate the accident using police reports, interviews, and medical records. Most states require insurance companies to complete their investigation within 30-45 days of the claim.
Stage 3: Medical Treatment
It’s advised NOT to accept a settlement until after reaching Maximum Medical Improvement. This is when your doctor states your injury has stabilized. Settle too early and you’ll leave money on the table.
Stage 4: Negotiation
This stage is where your auto accident settlement attorney will make their money. They’ll fight with the insurance company on your behalf to secure you the best possible payout.
Without an attorney, chances are you’ll settle for far less.
Stage 5: Resolution
After both parties have agreed on terms, the settlement is concluded with a check being issued. It typically takes 30-60 days to receive compensation after agreement.
Pretty simple right? The auto accident settlement process isn’t overly complicated.
The hard part is knowing how to get the best results.
The 5 Things All Professionals Should Do After An Accident
When you’re busy grinding away at your career, you don’t have time to deal with car accidents. Taking these five steps will ensure you protect both.
- Seek medical attention immediately. You don’t have to go to the hospital if you think you’re uninjured. Some serious injuries take days to appear. Medical records are also used as evidence for your settlement.
- Document everything. Take pictures. Lots of pictures. The scene of the accident, your vehicles damage, and any visible injuries you suffered. Documentation is KEY when it comes to your case.
- Don’t speak to the other insurance company. Let your attorney do all communication with insurance companies. You never know what you might say that could decrease your settlement.
- Record lost wages. Since missed time from work plays a huge role in your settlement, be sure to record every missed meeting, lost contract, etc.
- Hire an auto accident settlement attorney ASAP. The sooner you contact an attorney, the better. Professional attorneys know how insurance companies work and will use delay tactics. Don’t fall for them.
Hiring an auto accident settlement attorney is perhaps the most important step you can take.
How To Choose The Right Settlement Attorney
You should always research any attorney before hiring them. Here’s a few things to consider.
- Do they specialize in auto accident settlements? Or are they a general practice attorney? You want someone who does this every day.
- What type of settlements have they gotten their clients in the past? A good attorney will be able to provide you with past case results.
- When working with busy professionals, it’s important your attorney can communicate quickly and efficiently. You don’t want constant follow ups, but regular updates are nice.
- Almost all auto accident attorneys work on contingency. Meaning they don’t get paid unless you win your case. Make sure you understand their fee structure before hiring.
A good attorney will take the legal processing of your case off of your hands completely.
Simple Mistakes That Will Destroy Your Settlement
Please don’t make these mistakes. Even the most intelligent professionals in the world fall victim to these.
Settling Early. One of the tactics insurance companies love to use is promising you a quick cheque. Then lowballing you. Take the time to negotiate with them if you can.
Posting On Social Media. Believe it or not, insurance companies Google you during your case. They’ll look at your social media and use pictures against you. Explain to your friends and family that no social media posts are allowed during your case.
Missing Medical Appointments. If you skip visits with your doctor, your insurance company will use that against you. Explain your injuries are serious and you’re fighting for compensation.
Not Including Future Expenses. Many people get brain fog when calculating all of the costs from their accident. Medical bills, yes. But what about physical therapy? Lost wages from being unable to work in the future?
As reported by the NHTSA, motor vehicle accidents took roughly $340 billion dollars from the U.S. economy in direct costs. That number adjusts to over $429 billion when accounting for inflation. Individuals pay for these costs through medical bills, lost wages, and legal fees.
The moral of the story is that you shouldn’t settle for cheap services either.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with the legal process of an auto accident shouldn’t interfere with your career.
Remember:
- Quick settlements are never worth it
- There are 5 things every professional should do after an accident
- You should hire an attorney that specializes in auto accidents
- Simple mistakes can reduce your settlement to nothing
- Let a professional handle your case while you go back to work
An accident is never going to be convenient. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t fight for what you deserve.
Hire the right attorney and take care of business.