If you have been in a serious car accident, you may wonder if you should settle the accident claim. Often, the insurance company makes an attractive settlement offer soon after the accident. It can be tempting to take the offer and move on. But does the insurance company’s offer fully compensate you for your losses from the accident? You may only realize the extent of your losses months or years afterward. To truly understand your options, reach out to a local auto accident lawyer.
The Insurance Company Is Not on Your Side
Many accident victims do not realize that an insurance company making settlement offers is not on your side. Typically, the insurance company responsible for paying your damages from an accident will reach out and offer to send you a check. But that check comes with strings attached. You will have to sign a release of any future claims relating to the accident in exchange for the money. However, the money may be much less than you deserve to compensate you for your injuries and other losses fully.
Why would the insurance company lowball you on a settlement offer? The company representatives don’t have your interests in mind. Instead, they care about their bottom line. Insurance companies often offer much less money than accident victims could receive by negotiating a settlement or pursuing claims in court. If you take the check and sign your rights away, you could be missing out on much-needed money to pay for long-term medical care or other losses.
Car Accident Damages Now and In the Future
Victims of serious auto accidents often deal with challenging physical, mental, and financial demands. That’s why the law allows victims to pursue compensation for the losses suffered from the accident. You may be entitled to damages for:
· Current and future medical expenses such as emergency room fees, surgery costs, medication, repeat doctors’ visits, medical equipment, or specialist care
· Long-term rehabilitation or physical therapy costs
· Property losses for your vehicle and any valuable contents
· Current and future loss of income
· Emotional trauma and distress
· Other losses stemming from the accident
A key part of damages for many accident victims is compensation for future losses. Many people do not realize that they could recover for prospective losses of income or medical costs in the future. In fact, the laws are written to protect victims who are permanently disabled or have ongoing medical issues due to auto accidents. They also protect victims who have to quit their jobs, need to change jobs, or otherwise lose income due to accidents.
For many, these losses can be life-changing. That is why an insurance company’s lowball offer is not worth accepting now. Although it may seem like a lot of money at once, that offer may not fully compensate you for the actual damages you have now and in the future. Instead of accepting the offer, talk to an experienced car accident lawyer who can help you evaluate the compensation you deserve.
How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You
Some accident victims wonder why they should call a lawyer when the insurance company has already made a settlement offer. As explained above, that offer may not come close to compensating a victim for current and future damages. After the accident, your best bet to avoid being lowballed is to call an auto accident lawyer in your local area. Your lawyer can assist you in many ways, such as:
· Assessing the true value of your case, including all current and future damages
· Communicating with the insurance company and anyone else involved about your case
· Negotiating a fair settlement for compensation you are due under the law
· If your settlement demand is rejected, pursuing your case in court
· Educating you about the legal process and informing you about your rights
· Being on your side during a difficult time in your life
Getting a lawyer is the most important step you can take in resolving your car accident case. The right accident attorney can make all the difference when you have significant losses. Rather than bowing to the insurance company’s lowball offer, you may be able to negotiate for a fair settlement that compensates you for losses now and in the future.
In an Accident? Should You Settle? Call the Kang Law Group
When you or a loved one get in a car accident caused by someone else, you have the right to pursue compensation. Our team of auto accident injury lawyers can help you evaluate your options. The Kang Law Group offers free and confidential consultations to accident victims in need. Our offices are located in Beaverton, Gresham, and Salem, OR, as well as Vancouver, WA. Contact us at (503) 646-3131 or message us online to learn more
