When you file an insurance claim after a car accident, you usually receive a settlement offer from the insurance company. An acceptable settlement offer should cover all the expenses you incurred because of the accident, such as medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repairs.
Despite this, insurance companies often try to settle for less than the cost of your injuries to save money. They rarely offer sufficient compensation if they aren’t forced to first negotiate with skilled attorneys representing the accident victim.
If you’ve suffered injuries in a car accident and have received a questionable settlement offer, contact one of the Utah car accident lawyers at Great West Injury Law to help ensure that you don’t settle for less than you deserve.
Determining a Fair Settlement Offer for an Auto Accident
To calculate what may represent a fair settlement amount, you and your legal team should look at several factors. These include the cost of your medical bills, lost wages, the cost of the damage done to your vehicle, and the emotional distress you’ve endured due to the accident.
Your lawyer will help you reject any claims that don’t cover these costs and negotiate for a more fair settlement.
Medical expenses
You must be able to justify your claim for fair compensation based on the severity of your injuries and your medical expenses. The amount of the settlement offer may depend on whether the crash has left you physically or mentally handicapped, requiring long-term medical treatment.
All records related to your injuries, such as hospital stays, laboratory results, medical prescriptions, and follow-up visits, are required to determine whether an insurance settlement offer is fair. Medical records can provide the insurance company with a clear picture of the recovery process, showing how long you may need to heal from the accident after being treated.
Lost Wages
After serious injuries, many accident victims are unable to return to work until they recover. Your wage statements can be used as evidence to show how much you may be owed. If you suffer a permanent injury that restricts your ability to work in the future, your legal team can help determine how much you may be owed in future lost wages as well.
Vehicle damage
Your car’s level of damage in the accident will be considered when determining fair compensation for your case. The repairs you had to make to your vehicle may have included repainting the bumper or replacing a broken headlight. Your car could also have required realignment, repair to the frame, or a new door. In this case, a reasonable settlement will be determined by the amount of money you have to spend to repair your car.
Pain and suffering
Finding a value for pain and suffering is much more difficult. Although it’s challenging to prove pain and suffering, it often has a more significant impact on your life than physical injuries. Your lawyer can determine the appropriate settlement based on how your accident has affected your capacity to work and perform daily tasks, as well as your personal relationships and ability to enjoy hobbies.
Tips for Getting a Reasonable Settlement Offer for Your Case
Once you have examined all the important factors, these guidelines can help you determine the value of your vehicle accident settlement. You want to make sure you have an experienced car accident attorney to help you calculate your settlement.
Keep all documentation related to your accident
Keep your medical records showing all medical expenses you have incurred and the results of medical treatments. Ensure you keep all the receipts and bills from your auto repair shop. Your damage claim will be worth more if you keep all the documents.
Investigate your accident
It is crucial to have a lawyer investigate the accident on your behalf. If you receive a low settlement offer, your lawyer may gather evidence like witness testimony, police reports, and medical records to show the severity of the crash to the insurance company. This evidence can show the insurance company that the driver on their policy acted negligently and could result in legal action if a fair settlement isn’t reached.
Never accept the initial settlement offer
Many legal considerations go into negotiating with an insurance company, including damages to your car and the medical bills incurred to treat your injuries.
An auto accident lawyer can ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve by negotiating a settlement for all of your damages. If a settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer can file a lawsuit and represent you in court.
Car Accident Lawyers Can Help You Get a Fair Settlement
If you find yourself dealing with a low insurance company settlement offer, an experienced car accident attorney may help you get more money for your claim. With Great West Injury Lawyers on your side, you can focus on getting better while your lawyer can negotiate on your behalf.
For a free consultation regarding your case, contact Great West Injury Lawyers today.
