If you’re hurt in a car crash, motorcycle wreck, or work accident, one of the first questions you may ask is: How do I maximize my personal injury settlement? That’s a fair question, especially if you face medical bills, missed paychecks, or long-term recovery.
At The Zimmerman Law Firm, P.C., we’ve helped injury victims across Central Texas recover what they deserve. Whether your accident happened in Waco, Killeen, Round Rock, Temple, or Austin, these practical tips can help protect your claim and increase your chance of a full and fair settlement.
1. Get Medical Treatment Right Away and Follow Through
Delaying treatment is one of the most common mistakes we see. Insurance companies are quick to argue that your injuries aren’t serious if you don’t see a doctor right away.
Here’s what to do:
- Go to the ER or urgent care after the crash, even if you “feel fine;”
- Follow up with your primary doctor; and
- Complete your treatment plan and attend follow-up visits.
Your medical records are the foundation of your case. They outline your injuries, how serious they are, and the cost of recovery.
2. Keep Track of Everything You Spend
Many people focus only on their big medical bills, but out-of-pocket costs matter too. These may include:
- Co-pays and deductibles;
- Over-the-counter medications;
- Mileage or rideshare costs to appointments;
- Bandages, braces, or medical supplies; and
- Help around the house or with childcare during recovery.
You can include all of these expenses in your personal injury claim. Keep your receipts and write down every expense. The more proof you have, the stronger your claim.
3. Don’t Give a Recorded Statement to the Other Insurance Company
After the accident, you may get a call from the at-fault party’s insurance company asking for a statement. Don’t do it. You are not required to give one, and they can use anything you say against you.
Even a simple comment like “I’m doing okay” can be twisted to suggest you’re not really hurt.
Let your attorney handle all communication with the insurance companies. It protects your rights and helps avoid costly mistakes.
4. Be Careful What You Post Online
Social media can hurt your case. Insurance adjusters often check Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms for evidence to use against you.
You might just be smiling in a photo or attending a friend’s BBQ, but insurance companies will likely try to use anything they can to argue that you’re not really in pain or that your injuries aren’t affecting your life.
Until your case resolves, it’s best to stay off social media or make your profiles private. Better yet, don’t post anything about the accident or your recovery at all.
5. Be Honest About Your Injuries
If you’re asking how to maximize your personal injury settlement, the answer is not to exaggerate. Honesty builds credibility.
Here’s what to avoid:
- Claiming you’re more injured than you are,
- Leaving out previous injuries or conditions, and
- Hiding the fact that you’ve seen other doctors.
Insurance companies have access to medical records. If they catch even one false statement, they’ll question everything. Being upfront with your attorney and in your medical records is the best way to protect your case.
6. Work with a Lawyer Who Knows Texas Injury Law
Trying to handle a serious injury claim alone puts you at a disadvantage. Insurance companies have teams of lawyers and adjusters trained to reduce what they pay or deny claims entirely.
An experienced Texas personal injury lawyer knows:
- How to calculate the full value of your damages,
- When to push back on low offers, and
- How to file a lawsuit within the statute of limitations if negotiations break down.
At The Zimmerman Law Firm, the attorney you meet with is the one who stays on your case the whole way. We don’t pass you off to a case manager or put you in a “settlement pipeline.”
We handle serious cases with personal attention because we know what’s at stake.
7. Don’t Rush to Settle Before You Know the Full Picture
Accepting a fast settlement offer is tempting, especially if you’re out of work and bills are piling up. But once you settle, you can’t go back and ask for more money if your injuries worsen.
Before settling, make sure:
- You’ve reached “maximum medical improvement” (your condition has stabilized),
- You understand the long-term costs of your injury, and
- You’ve accounted for future treatment or therapy needs.
We work with medical professionals and financial experts when needed to calculate the real value of your case, not just what the insurance company wants to pay.
Bonus Tip: Ask Questions. Stay Informed.
The legal process can be confusing. If something doesn’t make sense, ask. If you’re worried about bills or next steps, bring it up. A good lawyer should take time to answer your questions and explain things clearly.
At The Zimmerman Law Firm, P.C., we treat our clients like real people—not just case files. We stay in touch, return calls, and make sure you always know where your case stands.
Still Wondering How to Increase Your Personal Injury Settlement? Let’s Talk.
If you were injured in Texas and want to know: How do I increase my personal injury settlement?, start by talking to someone who puts your needs first. We’re based in Waco and serve clients across Killeen, Temple, Round Rock, and Austin.
Your recovery is personal, and your legal help should be too.
Contact The Zimmerman Law Firm, P.C. today for a free consultation. No pressure. Just straight answers and real help.
Michael Zimmerman
Michael was born in Houston, Texas. His education at Baylor and Texas State Universities earned him a Bachelor of Science degree in 1987. His major was in Biology with a Minor in Chemistry. He finished his legal education at Texas Southern University in 1990, earning a Juris Doctorate from Thurgood Marshall School of Law. He was admitted to the State Bar of Texas in 1990.
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