Car collision settlements can help you pay for medical expenses and other bills you need to cover after a car accident. A Houston car accident lawyer should be able to assist you in negotiating a better settlement with the insurance company to pay for all these expenses. Here are the top things you must know about car collision settlements:
1. INSURANCE COMPANIES DON’T OFFER A FIXED SETTLEMENT AMOUNT
The settlement would depend on the result of the investigation made by the insurance adjuster. Insurance companies would likely consider the pain and suffering of the victim, as well as, medical fees he has incurred or his loss of income. Companies have different ways of calculating these settlements.
To get a fair car collision settlement, contact your San Antonio car accident attorney.
2. INSURANCE COMPANIES MAY NOT OFFER A LOT
Typically, the initial offer would be a lower amount albeit you’re not at fault. This is why you should let a car accident lawyer negotiate with the company to get a better settlement. Lawyers are quite adept at these claims, thus, you will highly likely get a good settlement.
3. SEEK EXPERT MEDICAL ADVICE
Depending on the severity of the car accident, injuries related to the car accident may develop later. With a physician, he is able to do some tests and determine whether you would need more help. Therefore, all tests done should be documented.
4. YOU DON’T NEED TO ACCEPT THE OFFER FROM THE INSURANCE COMPANY
A San Antonio car accident attorney should be able to advise you on what to do next after filing the claim. He will also inform you that you’re not forced to accept any offers from the insurance company until you are fully satisfied by it. Your lawyer should be able to negotiate a better offer.
5. KNOW HOW MUCH THE CAR ACCIDENT IS WORTH
It’s important that you document all bills and expenses you’ve incurred related to the car accident. These may include:
- Repair bills
- Medical expenses
- Lab tests
- Medications
- Emotional injuries
- Loss of income
- Cost of therapy and treatment
- Transportation
- Other expenses
6. YOU CAN PAY YOUR SAN ANTONIO CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEY WITH YOUR SETTLEMENT
Don’t worry if you don’t have the funds yet. You may agree with your lawyer that the fees involved would be taken from your settlement money.
7. IT MAY TAKE LONGER TO PROCESS THE CLAIM
Unfortunately, it could take months to process the insurance claims. Avoid extending the process by having a San Antonio car accident attorney. If he’s able to negotiate well, then, there would be no need to file a lawsuit which could take more time.
8. ADVISE YOUR LAWYER OF ANY PRE-EXISTING INJURIES
This is important as you don’t want to compromise the case because you forgot you had a previous accident. Remember that insurance companies have private investigators too. Therefore, make sure you tell your attorney everything he needs to know.
Final Settlement
As soon as you formally agree to the settlement, you can no longer ask for more money. Whether you experienced pain months after you agreed to receive the settlement fund, still, you no longer have the right to ask anything from the insurance company. Work with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Houston to avoid these things from happening.
