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Every year, millions of car accidents occur on the roads in America. While most of them are minor fender-benders that can be resolved without much fuss or fanfare, some do result in serious injury and property damage. When this happens, it’s often necessary to negotiate a settlement with an insurance company.
But is it really necessary to hire a lawyer?
When faced with a major car accident claim, you might not how to go about getting compensation for your losses. The process of filing claims and dealing with insurance adjusters can seem daunting and confusing, not to mention the fact that many adjusters will try to get away with offering as little money as possible for settlements.
That’s where having a qualified attorney comes in handy. They’ll know exactly what strategies to use in order to make sure you receive fair value for your case. At Injury.io, we’re here to make the process of finding the right attorney easy, so contact us to get started.
Let’s take a closer look at why you might need legal representation when negotiating your car accident settlement.
Definition Of A Car Accident Settlement
A car accident settlement is an agreement between the parties involved in a crash to resolve any damages or injuries caused. It’s common for insurance companies and other relevant entities to be involved, too. Settlements are typically paid out according to who was at fault for a car accident and can include compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and more.
If you’re seeking resolution after an auto accident, it’s important to understand the nuances of settlements before entering into negotiations. Many factors should be taken into account when determining how much money should exchange hands as part of a settlement deal—not the least of which is whether you need legal representation.
Factors To Consider Before Negotiating A Car Accident Settlement
Here are the different elements typically involved in a settlement negotiation:
- The cost of repairs for your vehicle (this includes both parts and labor associated with fixing any damage)
- All medical costs related to injuries sustained in the accident, including hospital bills, physical therapy, and the cost of prescriptions
- Intangible losses (like pain and suffering)
- Out-of-pocket expenditures, such as lost income due to time off work
Advantages Of Hiring A Lawyer For Car Accident Settlement Negotiations
An attorney can provide invaluable insight into complex legal matters related to car accidents. They understand the nuances of state laws and local ordinances that may affect your case, as well as any precedent set by higher courts regarding similar situations. Plus, they can advise you on what evidence or paperwork needs to be collected and presented in order to maximize your chances of success.
Attorneys also have access to resources that individuals don’t typically possess—like industry experts and medical professionals —can help strengthen your argument while dealing with opposing counsels during personal injury negotiations. Lawyers also know how best to manage communication between each party involved in the process so no stone goes unturned during discussions about liability or damages owed. This level of preparation helps ensure fairness throughout the entire negotiation process from start to finish!
Potential Outcomes Of Negotiating A Car Accident Settlement
Once you’ve reached a point in your negotiations where it’s time to settle, there are several potential outcomes.
It could be that both parties reach an agreement and sign off on the settlement terms, or one party may reject the other offer. In either case, each side should understand their legal rights if they’re unable to come to an understanding.
If a mutually agreed-upon personal injury settlement is reached, both sides will need to put the details into writing and get them signed by all involved within the specified period of time—usually 30 days. Once this process is complete and all necessary documents have been filed with the court, then the settlement will become legally binding.
But if negotiations break down and no resolution can be found, litigants may consider taking further action, such as filing a lawsuit or going through mediation or arbitration. There’s always a risk that a judge or jury may not rule in favor of either side so it pays to carefully weigh up any options before proceeding towards litigation.
Ultimately, having professional advice from a lawyer at every step can help ensure that your interests are represented throughout these proceedings for maximum protection.
Need Help Finding a Lawyer?
An experienced auto accident attorney will also be familiar with all applicable laws related to personal injury cases, so they can ensure that your rights are being properly protected throughout the negotiation process. A lawyer will also help build evidence against the other party if needed, making it easier to prove liability and seek appropriate damages based on state law.
In short, hiring a lawyer could mean the difference between walking away empty handed and receiving full payment for your losses.
Not sure where to start? Let our team at Injury.io help match you with a knowledgeable and compassionate attorney.
Hilary Snow is an award-winning writer with more than 20 years of experience as a journalist, editor, and communications professional.
