First 48 Hours Guide

Most settlements add up your economic damages, like medical bills, lost wages, and future care costs, then apply a multiplier for pain and suffering. The multiplier is usually 1.5 to 5 depending on injury severity, recovery time, and fault. Our estimator walks you through the same factors adjusters use.

Photos of the scene and injuries, a police or incident report, contact info for witnesses, all medical records and bills, proof of lost income, and a written statement from you describing what happened and how it has affected your daily life. The earlier you collect this, the stronger your claim.

Each state sets its own deadline, called a statute of limitations. Most states give you two to four years from the date of the injury. Miss the deadline and you usually lose the right to sue forever. If you are unsure, talk to an attorney before the one-year mark to be safe.

Almost never. First offers from insurance companies are usually well below what claims are worth. Wait until your treatment is done or you reach a clear medical plateau, calculate your full damages, then negotiate. An attorney handling your case typically nets more even after their fee.

For minor cases with clear fault and small medical bills, you may be able to settle on your own. For serious injuries, disputed fault, or any case involving long-term care, a lawyer almost always increases your settlement. Most work on contingency and only get paid if you win.

A demand letter is a written summary of your case sent to the insurance company. It lays out what happened, the evidence, your medical care, your damages, and the amount you are asking for. A clear demand letter sets the tone for negotiation and is often the start of real settlement talks.