First, ensure safety and document everything. Take clear photos/videos of the damage and the surrounding area. Get contact and insurance information from the other party. Report vehicle collisions to police. For contractor damage, notify the company in writing. Contact your own insurance company to report the incident, even if the other party is at fault. Avoid admitting fault or making speculative statements. Prompt, thorough documentation creates a strong foundation for your insurance claim or any necessary legal steps.

The number presented is rarely what you keep. You must subtract attorney fees (typically 25-40%), case costs, and any outstanding medical liens. A $100,000 offer can quickly reduce to $50,000 or less after these deductions. Calculate your net recovery first. This is the only figure that matters for your financial planning and when comparing the offer to the potential risks and costs of going to trial.

Collect evidence that demonstrates the other party failed to act with reasonable care. Key items are the official incident report (like a police or workplace accident report), statements from independent witnesses, and photographs or video of the hazardous condition (e.g., a spill, broken step, or obscured sign). For vehicle accidents, traffic camera footage or dashcam video is powerful. This evidence should show what the responsible party did wrong or what dangerous situation they failed to fix.