When you get hurt in a crash and submit a car accident claim, the insurance company might quickly come back with an offer. Should you take it? In most cases, you shouldn’t. The insurer is acting in its own best interest here, not yours. You should take the time to consult with a Middlesex County, NJ car accident attorney to figure out your next steps.
Why Do Insurers Rush Me to Settle a Car Accident Claim?
When someone submits a car accident claim, an insurance company starts doing the math. That math is not for figuring out how to make sure all of your expenses are covered. They are trying to figure out the minimum amount that they can get away with paying!
So if it seems like you’re being rushed to settle a car accident claim, you probably are. You should not accept a settlement until you can be sure that it will actually cover your expenses stemming from the accident
What Happens if I Settle a Car Accident Claim?
The issue with settling a car accident claim is that it closes off any other options. If your settlement seems to cover your injuries, but then you realize that you’ll have far more medical expenses than expected, that is too bad. You cannot go back and ask for more money. You also cannot sue the insurance company. Once you settle, that ends the matter.
Should I Sue for Damages Instead?
This is why you should hold off on settling your car accident claim and instead figure out if suing for damages is a better option. When you sue for damages you can recover money that can help make up for lost wages, medical expenses, and the cost of future care, if you need it. A fair compensation offer will also help address the non-economic costs of your accident, like pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment, or mental anguish associated with disabilities or disfigurement.
Do I Need an Attorney?
You are not required to hire an attorney when dealing with a car accident claim, but an experienced personal injury lawyer can do a lot to assist you with your case. An attorney from our firm can help you:
- Gather evidence
- Prepare for testimony
- Defend yourself from accusations of fault or wrongdoing
- Remember important dates and deadlines
- Hold all liable parties accountable
Will I Have to Go to Trial Over a Car Accident Claim?
Some people worry about pushing for a fairer settlement because they do not want to deal with the hassle of taking a case all the way to court. The good news is that cases like these often settle. We can help you negotiate for more robust compensation, but we can also help you build a case that can win in court if things go that far.
Schedule Your Consultation
So if you have been injured in a car accident, make sure that you have explored all of your options before you commit to anything. Contact Stathis & Leonardis to schedule a free consultation with our team. We can tell you more about the potential value of your accident claim.
