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.