How to Get the Most Money From a Car Accident

The Short Answer…

If you want to get the most money from a car accident, the key is preparation and strategy. Start by documenting everything, including medical records, lost wages, photos, and accident reports. Get the medical care you need and follow through with all recommended treatments. Understand the full scope of your damages, don’t rush to accept a settlement, and avoid speaking to insurance adjusters without legal guidance. Working with an experienced car accident lawyer can significantly improve your chances of securing the maximum compensation available.

In this guide, we’ll show you step-by-step how to get the most money from a car accident with practical tips, legal insights, and real strategies that can help protect your claim and your future.

Key Takeaways

• Don’t accept the first offer. Insurers often start with a lowball settlement.
• Document everything. Medical bills, lost wages, and photos from the scene help build a strong case.
• Get legal help. A car accident lawyer can help you uncover the true value of your case.
• Avoid insurance traps. What you say to adjusters or post online can be used to devalue your claim.
• Be patient. Rushing to settle can cost you.

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1. Seek Medical Attention & Ongoing Treatment

Seeking immediate medical attention after a car accident is vital for your health and an important step in protecting your legal claim. Insurance companies look for gaps or delays in treatment as a reason to deny or reduce your settlement. The sooner you see a doctor, the stronger your case.

But it doesn’t stop there: ongoing treatment is just as important. Continue to attend follow-up appointments, physical therapy sessions, and any specialist visits recommended by your physician. Not only does this help you heal properly, but it also shows a consistent record of care that supports your injury claim.

Neglecting or stopping treatment early (even if you feel slightly better) can be used against you to argue that your injuries weren’t serious or were pre-existing.

Tips:

• Keep a personal injury journal detailing your symptoms, pain levels, medications, and how the injuries impact your daily life.
• Save all receipts, appointment confirmations, and insurance billing statements for your medical file.
• Request written evaluations from your doctors that document the long-term effects of your injuries, which can help prove damages like future medical costs or reduced earning capacity.

The more detailed and consistent your medical documentation is, the harder it becomes for the insurance company to argue against the true value of your claim.

2. Gather Strong Evidence Early

One of the most effective ways to get the most money from a car accident is to build your case from day one. Evidence is the foundation of a successful injury claim. The more detailed and well-documented it is, the harder it will be for the insurance company to dispute your damages or deny liability. Be sure to:

• Take photos and videos of the accident scene, including:
  • Vehicle damage from multiple angles
  • Skid marks or road debris
  • Traffic signs or signals nearby
  • Weather and lighting conditions
  • Your visible injuries
• Collect witness statements and ask for their:
  • Full name
  • Contact information
  • A brief written or recorded statement if they’re willing
• Obtain a copy of the police report
• Keep copies of all medical records and receipts

Every piece of evidence strengthens your negotiation position. A well-documented file shows insurers you’re prepared to fight and makes it easier for your attorney to calculate the full value of your claim, prove liability, and secure a larger settlement or verdict.

3. Hire an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer

When it comes to getting the most money from a car accident, nothing makes a bigger difference than having the right lawyer on your side. Insurance companies have teams of professionals working to minimize your payout, but a skilled attorney levels the playing field and often significantly increases your potential settlement amount.

At Braker White, our experienced car accident attorneys take the pressure off you and handle every part of your case with precision and care. We:

• Handle all communication with the insurance company
• Calculate the full value of your damages
• Collect and organize strong evidence to support your claim
• Negotiate assertively with insurers for the highest possible payout and take your case to trial if they won’t settle fairly

Unlike insurance adjusters, your attorney works for you, not the other side. This advocacy can result in more compensation than if you handled the claim alone, especially in complex cases involving serious injuries or disputes about fault.

Local Advantage Matters

As a Texas-based law firm, we know how local courts, judges, and insurers operate. Our familiarity with the local legal landscape in Odessa, Midland, and across West Texas allows us to anticipate challenges and craft strategies that get results.

You Don’t Pay Unless We Win

At Braker White, we believe everyone deserves access to high-quality legal help without financial risk. That’s why we offer:

• Free case reviews
• No upfront fees
• You pay nothing unless we win your case

From your first consultation to the final settlement or verdict, our team will guide you through the legal process with clarity and care. We’ll explain your rights, estimate the potential value of your claim, and help you make informed decisions. Your success is our priority. We only win when you do.

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4. Understand the Full Value of Your Damages

Too many accident victims settle for less because they only consider the obvious costs, like car repairs or the first emergency room bill. But the full value of your claim could be significantly greater and recognizing that can make a major difference in your potential settlement.

Damages that may be available in a car accident claim include:

• Medical expenses – hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, prescriptions, and any future care related to your injuries
• Lost wages – income you’ve missed due to the accident, including time off for doctor visits or recovery
• Loss of earning capacity – if your injuries limit your ability to work long-term or force a career change
• Property damage – vehicle repairs or replacement, rental car costs, and damage to personal items in the car
• Pain and suffering – both physical pain and emotional hardship caused by your injuries
• Emotional distress – anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other mental health struggles following the crash
• Loss of enjoyment of life – if your injuries prevent you from enjoying hobbies or activities you once loved
• Loss of consortium – impacts on your relationships or family life

Don’t leave money on the table. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will work to uncover the full scope of your damages to help ensure you pursue every dollar you may be entitled to.

5. Don’t Take the First Offer

One of the most common mistakes accident victims make is accepting the insurance company’s first offer. These initial settlements are almost always lowball offers designed to save the insurer money, not to fully compensate you.

Insurance companies know you may be overwhelmed, in pain, or facing financial pressure. They use that to their advantage by offering a quick payout in exchange for a signed release that closes your claim permanently. Once you accept, you give up the right to seek more money, even if new medical issues arise later.

Before accepting any offer:

• Consult a car accident lawyer who can estimate the full value of your claim and tell you whether the offer is fair.
• Calculate all current and future damages, including ongoing medical care, physical therapy, lost income, and pain and suffering.
• Review documentation carefully and don’t rely on the insurer’s estimates.
• Don’t settle too soon. Rushing to settle usually benefits the insurance company, not you.

Early settlement offers often ignore long-term effects like chronic pain, reduced earning ability, or the emotional toll of the crash. Waiting and negotiating with the help of an experienced attorney can lead to a significantly larger payout that better reflects what you’ve lost.

6. Be Careful Talking to Insurance Adjusters

If you’re trying to maximize your car accident settlement, what you say to the insurance company can either help or seriously hurt your case. Insurance adjusters are trained to protect the company’s bottom line by minimizing what they pay out.

From the moment they contact you, they’re looking for anything that can be used to question your injuries, shift blame, or reduce your settlement. Avoid:

• Giving recorded statements — these can be picked apart and used against you later.
• Admitting fault, even partially — even casual phrases like “I didn’t see them coming” or “I’m sorry” can be misinterpreted as accepting blame.
• Downplaying your injuries — saying you’re “feeling fine” could be used to argue your injuries aren’t serious, even if symptoms appear later.
• Releasing your full medical history — insurers may search for pre-existing conditions to dispute your claim.

Let Your Attorney Do the Talking

A skilled lawyer knows how to communicate strategically with insurance adjusters, ensuring your rights are protected and your case is presented in the strongest light. Your attorney can:

• Respond to adjuster inquiries on your behalf
• Push back on unfair tactics or misleading requests
• Help ensure you’re not pressured into a low settlement

Remember: The less you say, the better. If you’re contacted by an adjuster, refer them directly to your legal counsel.

7. Stay Off Social Media

Insurance companies and defense attorneys routinely monitor social media to find anything they can use to challenge or discredit your claim. Even seemingly harmless posts can be twisted to make it look like your injuries aren’t as serious as you’ve claimed, ultimately reducing your compensation.

Until your case is completely resolved:

• Avoid posting any photos or videos, especially those showing physical activity or travel.
• Do not discuss the accident, your injuries, medical treatment, or legal case online.

Anything posted online (even weeks or months before the crash) can be taken out of context and introduced as evidence. Avoid giving the insurance company ammunition to reduce or deny your claim.

8. Be Prepared to Negotiate or File a Lawsuit (If Needed)

Sometimes, getting the most money from a car accident settlement means going beyond the initial back-and-forth with the insurance company. While many claims settle out of court, you need to be prepared to negotiate assertively and even file a lawsuit if the insurer refuses to offer a fair amount.

Why Negotiation Matters

Insurance companies are eager to settle fast and for as little as possible. They’re far more likely to make a serious offer when they realize you’re fully prepared to fight for fair compensation. An experienced car accident attorney knows how to:

• Build and present a strong, well-documented case
• Push back on low offers
• Increase pressure by demonstrating a clear willingness to go to court

This phase of the process is where negotiation skills can dramatically impact your settlement amount. The right lawyer doesn’t just accept what’s offered — they work to secure what your case is truly worth.

When to File a Lawsuit

If the insurer still refuses to settle fairly or challenges your right to compensation, your lawyer may recommend filing a lawsuit. This doesn’t always mean going to trial, but it:

• Shows you’re willing to fight
• Increases leverage in negotiations
• Puts legal deadlines into play
• Allows for formal discovery and expert testimony

In Texas, you generally have 2 years from the date of the accident to file an injury lawsuit. Waiting too long can permanently bar your right to compensation.

Trial-Ready Representation

At Braker White, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, because insurers take trial-ready lawyers seriously. Our courtroom experience means we’re ready to go the distance to secure the compensation you may be entitled to.

Get the Most Money from Your Car Accident—Let Braker White Fight for You

If you’ve been injured in a crash, don’t leave your future in the hands of the insurance company. At Braker White, we know exactly how to get the most money from a car accident, and we’re ready to put our experience, resources, and reputation to work for you.

Contact us now for a free, no-obligation case review. Our qualified team of car accident lawyers is ready to help you fight for every dollar you may deserve.