When you have ended up being hurt by another driver, you have the right to be paid for your damages. You are not being selfish or heartless when you seek compensation after a car accident. No matter what made that driver crash into you, you probably want to know what to expect from a car accident case. Read on and find out more.
Seeking a Settlement
In most cases, it's not necessary to take a case to court to be paid. By using a personal injury lawyer, you can be paid the money damages you deserve using a settlement. This means you are paid by the other driver's insurance company a few months after the accident. Having a lawyer on your side means you have a knowledgeable advocate to work on your case.
To be paid a settlement, your lawyer will evaluate your damages and make sure that the other driver is at fault for the accident. The lawyer may ask you to finish your medical treatment before they approach the other insurer with a demand for compensation. You and your personal injury lawyer will review your damages and together decide how much you are owed for the accident.
A demand letter is created and sent to the insurer for the at-fault driver. The letter usually contains a summary of the evidence you possess, a list of your damages, and the amount you are asking to be paid to settle the case now. Implied is that you will take the other side to court if you are not paid what you ask for.
Most of the time, however, the demand letter begins a new part of the settlement process, the negotiations. Your lawyer will work to get you paid as much as possible during the negotiation phase.
Settlements Vary
Each accident has unique damages. Most settlements are based on several factors, as seen below:
- Your medical treatment costs. Both present and future needs should be addressed.
- Pain and suffering are the way the accident has caused you discomfort, depression, anxiety, and more.
- Lost wages are the amount of money you lost in income from your job because of the accident.
- Your salary may also play a part if your injuries mean you are unable to work at your job again.
- Your location can also affect settlements. Not only are local economic issues important but local personal injury settlements are often evaluated to determine your settlement.
To find out more, speak to a personal injury lawyer.
