Getting the Most Out of Your Settlement
When you have been injured in an accident or are dealing with the aftermath of a legal dispute, a settlement offer can feel like a light at the end of the tunnel. But accepting a settlement too quickly or without the right knowledge can mean leaving significant compensation on the table.
At the Law Offices of David Mabrey, we help Maryland residents understand their rights, avoid costly mistakes, and secure the settlements they truly deserve.
Mistakes People Make When Accepting a Settlement
It is common for individuals to want to manage their own settlement negotiations without a lawyer in hopes of saving money, but negotiating alone may lead to a lower overall settlement. Without an advocate, you may fall victim to some of the common mistakes often made when negotiating or accepting a settlement.
One of the biggest mistakes people make after an accident is agreeing to the first settlement offer they receive. Insurance companies often count on the fact that victims are overwhelmed, stressed, and eager to move forward. As a result, they may offer a payout that covers immediate expenses but does not account for long-term medical bills, lost wages, or the emotional toll of the injury.
Another common mistake is signing documents without fully understanding the fine print. Once you accept a settlement, you usually waive your right to pursue additional compensation. This means if future complications arise, you may be left to handle the financial burden on your own.
By recognizing these mistakes, you can avoid settling for less than you deserve, which is what a good lawyer will help you with.
What You Should Know to Maximize Your Settlement
Rarely is the first offered settlement the maximum amount one will qualify for. To get the most from your settlement, you will need to know what you need and what you are qualified to receive.
Getting the most out of your settlement means thinking beyond your immediate needs. A proper settlement should account for all the ways an accident has affected your life, including medical treatment, physical therapy, lost income, pain and suffering, and even future care.
Use this step-by-step plan for maximizing your settlement amount.
- Get a complete medical evaluation and follow the plan
See a doctor right away, attend every appointment, and follow the treatment plan. Consistent care creates a clear record that links your injuries to the incident and is essential for maximizing your settlement amount. - Preserve evidence and capture the full story
Save photos, videos, witness details, police reports, and repair estimates. Keep everything in one folder so the facts are easy to prove and hard to dispute. - Track every cost and loss
Collect medical bills, pharmacy receipts, mileage to appointments, and documentation of time missed from work. Ask your employer for a letter that confirms dates missed, pay rate, and lost benefits. - Calculate future needs, not just today’s bills
Work with your care team to estimate future therapy, procedures, medications, and assistive devices. Include potential job impact if your injuries limit your hours or duties. - Document pain and daily impact
Keep a short journal that notes limitations, sleep issues, anxiety, and missed activities with family or work. Real stories make non-economic damages tangible and support maximizing your settlement amount. - Understand your insurance landscape
Identify all policies that may apply, including liability, uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, personal injury protection, and medical payments coverage. Knowing policy limits sets a realistic target. - Account for Maryland’s contributory negligence
In Maryland, any share of fault can threaten recovery. Be careful with what you say to adjusters and in writing. Stick to facts and let the documentation speak for you. - Avoid avoidable mistakes
Do not post about the incident on social media. Do not give a recorded statement to the other insurer without guidance. Do not accept a quick offer before you know the full value of your claim. - Assemble a strong demand package
Present a clear timeline, liability proof, medical records, bills, wage evidence, and a reasoned valuation for future and non-economic damages. A well-organized package shows strength and invites a serious response. - Set a walk-away number and timeline
Decide on a credible minimum based on evidence and policy limits, and set checkpoints for reevaluating offers. This creates structure and reduces pressure tactics.
With these steps in place, you are positioned for strategic negotiation. But, the most important move in maximizing your settlement amount is to let a skilled Maryland attorney negotiate for you.
Why Having an Attorney Negotiate On Your Behalf Matters
Negotiating with insurance companies is not a simple process. Their adjusters are trained to minimize payouts and protect their bottom line. Without professional guidance, you may find yourself pressured into accepting less than you deserve.
An attorney not only understands the tactics insurers use but also has the experience to counter those strategies. Lawyers like David Mabrey can build a strong case, present the right evidence, and apply pressure when negotiations stall. More importantly, having a lawyer handle the back and forth gives you peace of mind and allows you to focus on your recovery.
When you know that a skilled negotiator is fighting for your best interests, you are far more likely to secure a fair and full settlement. That naturally leads to the next question: should you even take a settlement at all?
How to Know If You Should Accept a Settlement
Not every settlement is worth taking. Sometimes the initial offers are far below what your case is truly worth, and other times a trial may offer a better outcome. Deciding whether to accept a settlement comes down to weighing your immediate needs against the risks and rewards of continuing litigation.
An experienced attorney can help you evaluate the strength of your case, the likelihood of success at trial, and the true value of your claim. They can also provide insight into whether the settlement reflects both the financial and emotional impact of your injury.
Accepting a settlement is a deeply personal decision, but you do not need to make it alone. With the right legal counsel, you can move forward confidently knowing your choice is informed and in your best interest.
Finding the Right Attorney in Maryland
To truly maximize your settlement, you need the right advocate by your side. A great lawyer is someone who combines legal knowledge with compassion, communication, and a strong track record of success. They should be willing to explain every step of the process, fight tirelessly on your behalf, and never pressure you into decisions that do not serve your best interests.
When it comes to getting the most out of your settlement, the attorney you choose matters. David Mabrey is one of the best personal injury lawyers in Maryland, with decades of experience handling personal injury and accident cases. He has alo built a reputation for standing up to insurance companies and securing the results his clients deserve.
Choosing David Mabrey means choosing an advocate who will fight for your rights, protect your future, and ensure you walk away with the compensation you need to move forward.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maximizing Your Settlement
What if I was partly at fault for the accident?
Maryland follows contributory negligence, which means that being even one percent at fault can bar recovery. This is why having a knowledgeable lawyer is crucial for maximizing your settlement amount.
How long does it take to maximize a settlement in Maryland?
The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the case, medical treatment length, and insurance negotiations. Most cases take several months, but serious cases may take a year or longer to fully resolve.
Can I still maximize my settlement without an attorney?
Technically yes, but it is very difficult. Insurance companies are skilled at reducing payouts. An experienced Maryland attorney like David Mabrey ensures your case is valued correctly and fights for every dollar you deserve.
Will my settlement cover future expenses?
It can, if handled correctly. Future medical costs, lost wages, and ongoing care must be documented and factored into the negotiations.
Why should I choose David Mabrey over another Maryland Attorney?
David Mabrey combines decades of trial experience, personalized attention, and a proven history of negotiating strong settlements. He understands Maryland law in depth and has earned the trust of clients across the state.
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