How Much Is A Car Accident Settlement Worth?

If you were involved in an accident and you are curious about how much a potential car accident settlement is worth, you should contact an attorney immediately. An attorney will explain to you the factors that affect the value of settlements, and what factors may actually benefit you in your case. He or she can also answer any accident related questions you may have. If you are unsure about what path to take, contacting an attorney is a great place to start. Don’t forget, your situation is serious; let an attorney guide you through this difficult time.

How To Know What A Car Accident Settlement Is Worth?
There are many different factors that play into how much your settlement will be worth. An attorney will be able to sit down with you and evaluate your case in order to determine how much compensation you should expect. Such factors include:

Amount of damage: The more damage to the driver and his or her property, the higher the risk of injury. With that being said, watch out. The opposing driver’s insurance company may try and get you to settle quickly if significant injuries are involved. Early settlements are in the insurance company’s best interests. If there isn’t much physical damage because your accident was perhaps low impact, you will have a harder time recovering large settlement awards.
Offensive or dangerous behavior: One of the most important questions that has the potential to increase settlement awards concerns the negligent drivers activity at the time of the accident. Was he or she involved in any illegal activity? This includes driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, reckless driving, participating in a road race or violating traffic laws in any other manner. A judge typically will not condone this type of behavior and may be more willing to consider a larger award.
Preexisting conditions: If you do not have any preexisting conditions or injuries, you may receive a greater sum of money for those injuries. If you want money for an injury that is similar to one that you already had, you face a bigger challenge in securing an award.

There are many factors that can affect the exact figure. Most people believe that the higher the medical bills, the greater their settlement will be. This is not true in many cases. Insurance companies do not like to pay for excessive medical expenses and may assume some of your expenses are unnecessary. They may try and avoid paying for some of your medical expenses.

What Will An Attorney Do For Me?
Many people wonder if they truly need a lawyer after a car accident. The answer is technically, no. You are not required by law to obtain an attorney after an accident. However, the decision to hire a lawyer is an intelligent one. An attorney will evaluate all the evidence involved in your case and determine the best possible route to take. An attorney will look out for your best interests and protect your rights. An attorney will be familiar with the rules and regulations governing car accident claims.

What To Do After A Car Accident

Were you involved in a car accident and are unsure of what steps to take next? Was an injury sustained during this accident? Consulting with a doctor is the first step you should take if you are involved in an accident in which an injury is suspected. Contacting an attorney is also one of the most important steps to take, and the sooner the better. An attorney can answer your questions and respond to your concerns.

The Most Important Actions To Take After A Car Accident
There’s a lot of important stuff to remember after a car accident. It is highly unlikely you will be able to remember everything so taking notes is a great thing to do. Being prepared is also important. Here’s a list of the most important things to remember after an accident.

  • You should always check for injuries on yourself and on the other drivers and passengers. If you are not completely sure whether or not injuries were sustained, call an ambulance just to be safe.
  • Turn your emergency flashers on in order to warn oncoming cars and set out cones if they are available to you.
  • If the accident is a small accident, such as a fender bender, attempt to move the cars out of harm’s way.
  • Call the police immediately. You should also contact your insurance company as soon as possible.
  • Do not admit that the accident was your fault; wait for the official judgment.
  • Never sign any paperwork unless it is for the police or your insurance.
  • If possible, do not leave the scene of the accident.
  • Keep the discussion of details to a minimum, and just between you, the police and your insurance company.
  • Make notes of anything you believe will be helpful later. This might include specific damage pictures, the opposing driver’s information, the auto insurance information, the location of the accident, how the accident occurred and the events following the accident.

It is normal to wonder about your options regarding potential compensation for a car accident case. An attorney will be able to look over the evidence that you collected, the accident report and the insurance report. He or she will have access to additional information as well. It’s never too late to get in touch with a lawyer.

Getting In Touch With An Attorney
Contacting an attorney is an extremely easy process. One is just a phone call or email away. He or she will immediately begin to work with you on your case. An attorney will examine and evaluate all the evidence in order to formulate the most effective and efficient case. You can’t go wrong with professional legal representation.

Working With The Auto Insurance Company

It is important to remember that car insurance companies do not have your best interests in mind. It is the job of the representatives of these large insurance companies to offer as little money as possible. One of the most common questions asked after a car accident concerns how to handle car insurance companies. A Dallas car accident attorney is experienced in working with auto insurance companies and will do so on your behalf.

How To Work With Auto Insurance Companies
After a car accident, it is standard procedure for your insurance company to evaluate the damage and any injuries. Insurance companies do this in order to determine what settlement amount will meet your needs. Common insurance company behaviors include:

  • Gather information from the accident, including police reports and perhaps medical information
  • Speak with witnesses who may have seen the accident
  • Get quotes on damages to the vehicles
  • Determine a monetary amount that you may be owed
  • Negotiate with the other driver’s insurance company if the accident was not your fault

Truthfully, the insurance process can be very complicated. When you consider that you may have to deal with both your own insurance company and that of the other driver, it can be an incredibly overwhelming process. A Dallas car accident attorney is trained and experienced in handling such cases. He or she knows how to work with insurance companies. Your lawyer’s job is to negotiate a settlement that is best suited to your needs.

Have you been approached by an insurance company regarding a settlement? Has an insurance company denied your claim? If so, these are some things that you should know:

  • Insurance companies will always try to settle for as little money as possible.
  • Large insurance companies that represent commercial vehicle drivers do not have your interests in mind.
  • Insurance companies may be wrong and can make mistakes when evaluating evidence.
  • You have the right to question any settlement that is offered and to pursue a better one, if needed.
  • Insurance payouts are separate from any potential personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.
  • Do not agree to any terms until you have spoken with a qualified attorney.

If you have been denied the recompense that you deserve or if you have been offered an inadequate settlement, do not give up hope. You need the help of someone who is unafraid of challenging large insurance companies and who will always represent your best interests.