Yes, you should obtain at least two to three estimates from comparable contractors. This demonstrates due diligence and establishes a market-rate range for the repairs. Do not automatically submit the highest estimate. Instead, analyze the scope and detail of each. The most thorough and reasonable estimate, often the middle one, is typically the most defensible. Using an inflated estimate can damage your credibility and slow down the settlement process.

A police report provides an official, third-party record of the incident. It documents key facts like the time, location, involved parties, and the responding officer’s initial observations. For claims like car accidents or assaults, it is a foundational document that insurance companies and attorneys use to establish what happened. While not conclusive proof, it carries significant weight in determining fault and liability during the early stages of a claim.

A fair settlement is money that fully covers your provable losses, not just a quick, low offer. It should account for all medical bills, lost income, property damage, and a reasonable amount for your pain and suffering. The goal is to put you back in the position you were in before the incident, as much as money can. It is not about getting rich; it’s about being made whole for the real costs and impacts you have experienced.