Need Money In A Hurry? Settle Your Accident Case
If a careless driver has caused injuries and chaos in your life, you probably deserve compensation. Read on to find out why a personal injury settlement is the easiest and quickest way to be paid the money you need.
You Deserve Compensation
Innocent drivers are hurt every day and the driver that hit you is responsible for your damages. That means the driver and their insurance company must pay for your medical expenses, lost wages, wrecked car, pain and suffering, and lost personal property. You can file a lawsuit against the other driver but that can take a lot of time. It can also cost more to take a case to court when you consider the legal fees along with court fees. Luckily, you don't have to sue a driver to be compensated for your injuries.
Settling: What It Means
When you settle a case, you agree to accept a certain sum of money from the at-fault driver or their insurance carrier. The amount depends on your damages and how the negotiations go. It is, by far, the quickest way to get paid for the accident. Some cases settle in mere weeks after an accident but most settle within a few months or so.
How Settlements Affect Victims
Accident victims have to be careful when they are presented with a settlement offer. In most cases, the insurer for the other driver will present victims with a "lo-ball" offer that is woefully inadequate to cover damages. Unfortunately, many accident victims accept those low settlement offers and then realize they did not receive enough money. You don't get a do-over with a settlement – once you sign the accident release and deposit the check, it's over.
How To Handle Your Settlement Offer
If the other driver is at-fault, you will undoubtedly get a settlement offer. The sooner the offer, the more you should be wary. Be sure to take the following steps and don't get taken advantage of when presented with a settlement offer:
- Never speak to the other side's insurance company for any reason. They will call you and ask you to speak on a recorded line about the accident. No matter what they say to you, don't do it. You could jeopardize your compensation by doing so.
- Never accept an offer without speaking first to a personal injury lawyer about your case. Doing it this way means that you will know how much you should get.
- Let your car accident attorney deal with the other side. That assures you that everything is done by the book. Personal injury lawyers are skilled in negotiating to get the most possible for their clients.
Speak to a lawyer today.