If you have been involved in an auto accident, you might pursue a personal injury claim against the other driver. Auto accidents lead to damages and you might be able to recoup compensation for the damages you suffered because of the crash. Pursuing a personal injury claim is challenging, and if you don’t use the right approach and stick to your guns, you might not be compensated fairly. You need to make sure you use the right approach, so you can be treated fairly throughout the process and get compensated enough to cover the damages you suffered. Here are some common mistakes that are made when settling a personal injury claim after a car accident.
Settlement Too Low
Often, accident victims are anxious to get their claim settled. They don’t want to go to court, and they need the funds to cover the costs related to their medical expenses. But, if you try to settle without the guidance of a personal injury attorney, you will, on average, get a fraction of the amount you should be entitled to receive for your damages. Many people don’t want the accident injury attorney to get a third of the settlement, but allowing a personal injury attorney to get a third of a $45,000 claim is much better than getting a $10,000 settlement on your own.
Lack of Confidence
Another pitfall is when the claimant has a lack of confidence. To negotiate a personal injury claim and get a fair settlement, confidence is necessary. An individual must understand litigation, state and local laws, and know how to handle the negotiations process. A personal injury attorney is experienced in all aspects of accident injury claims, so he or she can aggressively pursue the settlement that you deserve after an accident. When you get an attorney, you let the insurance company know that you expect to be treated fairly.
Don’t Rush to Settle
When you settle quickly, you get fast access to the funds. However, you are going to get short-changed. The injuries might be more serious than doctors initially believe, and you won’t have enough funds to cover the related expenses. You can’t go back and file another claim for damages after you have already settled. There is no opportunity to go back and reevaluate the claim later.
Coupling Property Damages and Injuries Together
If you settle for your physical injuries and don’t take note of your property damages, you will hurt yourself. You need to make sure you are fairly compensated for your losses. Be sure to get a written estimate of your vehicle repairs, the tow bills, rental car costs, and so forth. You don’t want to pay for your damaged vehicle out of your injury claim.
Consult with a Personal Injury Attorney
If you have been involved in an auto accident, consult with a personal injury attorney who is licensed in your state. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page to have a lawyer in your area review the details of your case.
