Settling a car accident claim could take anywhere from a couple of weeks to many months. If an insurance company refuses to work with you, a lengthy lawsuit could be necessary to obtain a reasonable offer. Because of the uniqueness of every accident, there is no one answer.
Many different factors will affect the settlement process. If liability is in question or there are questions concerning your medical expenses or other damages, the process could take considerably longer. Insurance companies are not looking to fully compensate you for your injuries. That is why it is critical to have our Baltimore car accident lawyers advocating for your rights.
The attorneys and staff at Rice, Murtha & Psoras understand the importance of finalizing a settlement after a car accident. Injured accident victims often need money for their medical expenses and to replenish their lost income. We also know you only get one bite at the pie. If you settle for significantly less than the financial losses you suffered, you will not be permitted to file another claim. To discuss settling your car accident claim, along with other options, call our law offices at (410) 694-7291.
What is the Car Accident Settlement Process Like
Every car accident is unique and presents its own set of challenges and difficulties. Nonetheless, the basic settlement process remains relatively the same. the first thing you should do is contact our experienced Maryland car accident lawyers. While having legal representation is not necessary, it will increase your chances to maximize your potential compensation. Having seasoned negotiators who are willing to try your case in court lets the insurance company know you are serious.
The first thing our office will do is evaluate your claim. This includes determining liability and calculating your damages. Once we estimate your financial losses, a demand letter will be sent to the insurance company. An insurer might present an offer first. Nonetheless, you should never accept the first offer from an insurance company – they are usually only looking to limit their liability.
The insurance company will have conducted their own investigation into the accident and determined what they believe your claim is worth. it is unlikely that both sides will initially agree. At this point, negotiations could continue back and forth for some time.
If a reasonable settlement is not reached, an accident victim could file a lawsuit. Filing a lawsuit does not mean that a settlement is off the table.
Once the case commences and before the trial begins, both sides participate in the discovery phase. Each side has legal tools to request documents, statements, and other evidence from each other. If the evidence gathered further supports your claim, a reasonable offer is more probable. it is possible to settle a case up until a jury verdict is entered.
Medical Documentation Following the Accident
After a car accident, there are two things you should do to help your settlement negotiations or your potential lawsuit: get medical attention and document the scene of the crash.
Seeking medical care is critical. First of all, you need to take care of your health. In terms of your legal case, having documented medical treatment immediately following an accident is the first step in building a medical record that links your injuries to the accident. Even if you do not believe you suffered a significant injury, you should still see your doctor or go to an emergency room.
Any delay in receiving medical attention could be used as proof that your injuries were not serious or were caused by an intervening event. Medical documentation will also help our Aberdeen car accident lawyers begin calculating your damages.
Documenting the scene of the crash is also helpful. For example, you should take photos of the vehicles involved in the crash, including their relative positions and the damage they sustained. Be sure to take pictures of the entire scene, including the road conditions, signage, and any other details that appear pertinent. You can never have too many pictures.
Collect the names and contact information of any other drivers and witnesses who saw what happened. While this information should appear in a police report, they are not always complete or comprehensive.
Evaluate the Value and Legal Strength of Your Case
Unfortunately, insurance companies do not always approve accident claims or offer fair settlements. In nearly every case, an insurer will look for reasons to deny or reduce a claim. They are not in the business of overly compensating accident victims. Because of this, it is important to do your legwork before sending a demand letter.
Legwork entails gathering evidence that supports your damages. it also means you need evidence to show that the other driver was at fault and negligent. An insurance company will often base its offer on the likely court outcome. Therefore, even if you are not planning to take your case to court, you still should have the ability to prove that the other driver was to blame. Otherwise, a fair settlement will not be forthcoming.
Contact Our Experienced Car Accident Attorneys to Negotiate Your Settlement
Your medical expenses and lost income after a car accident could be substantial. A quick settlement might appear to be a windfall. However, if it is insufficient to cover your losses, you are out of luck. If you want to maximize your potential settlement, you need our experienced Towson car accident attorneys fighting for your just compensation. At Rice, Murtha & Psoras, we will aggressively negotiate your settlement or take your case to court if necessary. Our goal is to provide you with the most beneficial outcome possible. Call our office at (410) 694-7291 to set up a free consultation.