- Car Accidents
Accidents happen every day, and for those involved in such an unfortunate incident, there are many things to consider. If you happen to get injured in a car accident where the other party is at fault, chances are their insurance company will approach you for a settlement.
The way they present it to you may seem all fair. But before you proceed, stop and think for a while. Insurance companies will not consider your welfare but instead will protect their interests. It’s important to ask questions before accepting a settlement.
A skilled car accident attorney can evaluate a settlement offer and advocate for the maximum compensation.
5 Questions to Ask Before Accepting a Settlement
Ask yourself the following questions before accepting a settlement.
Will It Be Enough For My Medical Bills?
First and foremost, you should consider whether the settlement amount will cover your medical bills or not. They may show you how it covers your current medical bills, but what about the future ones? If you have any ongoing treatment or any operations scheduled for the future, what about them? In some cases, the post-effect of the accident shows up much later. Will the settlement amount be enough for that?
Does It Cover the Wages I Lost?
If you get injured in an accident, it is natural that you will not be able to attend to your daily work for the time being. Do not forget to include this in your consideration. Will the settlement amount cover the wages that you have lost due to injuries from the accident? What if you have to skip more working days? What if the accidents affect your future wages? If you quickly settle for the settlement amount, you might be missing out on all these costs.
How Will It Impact a Claim for Punitive Damages?
A Claim for Punitive Damages is something that you can file against the driver for their negligence. Although the insurance company will not pay for it, accepting the settlement amount may affect your right to pursue this type of compensation. You should consult personal injury lawyers to be sure about it.
Does It Cover Property Damage?
It’s important to consider property damage before accepting a settlement. This includes any damage to your vehicle and other personal property in the accident. Though your health takes priority, you should not overlook car repair costs. A settlement should cover repair expenses or the fair market value of a totaled car up to the driver’s policy limits.
Am I Being Compensated For Trauma?
An accident does not only take a toll physically; it has a significant emotional effect as well. Though the cost of recovering from trauma is not an easy calculation, the law still entitles you to compensation. The insurance companies will try to evade this point, but you must consider your suffering.
How a Car Accident Lawyer Maximizes Your Settlement
Navigating the legal system and dealing with insurance companies can be overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to recover from injuries. An experienced attorney acts as your advocate.
Insurance companies often attempt to downplay the severity of injuries or argue that their client was not at fault. A lawyer knows how to build a compelling case that proves liability and clearly shows the extent of your damages.
Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts and may pressure you to accept a quick, lowball offer. A lawyer understands insurance company tactics and will push back to demand fair compensation. Your attorney will know when an offer is inadequate and can negotiate for you.
Many accident victims underestimate how much their case is worth, especially when it comes to long-term medical care, rehabilitation, and non-economic damages like emotional distress. A lawyer ensures that all current and future costs are factored into the settlement demand.
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, a car accident lawyer is prepared to take the case to court. The willingness to go to trial often motivates insurance companies to offer higher settlements to avoid litigation costs. If the case does proceed to trial, your attorney will present the strongest possible argument for you in court.
Contact Hurt911 Injury Centers Today
If you got involved in a collision and are looking for an accident lawyer, contact The Hurt 911® Injury Centers for immediate assistance and consultation from our lawyers. Call 404-687-9000 or contact us online for a free consultation.
