When Should I Settle My Car Accident Claim With A Lawyer?

What is the Best Time to Settle My Car Accident Claim With a Lawyer? 

Choosing a car accident lawyer is one of the most important decisions you can make after an accident. They can help you settle your case and get the compensation you deserve. They will take care of all the legal details and fight for you, if necessary. They can also help you navigate the insurance company’s red tape and understand how the process works. 

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What is the Best Time to Settle My Car Accident Claim?

The timing of a settlement can vary depending on the state in which you live and the specifics of your claim. In most jurisdictions, you have a certain period of time after an accident called a statute of limitations to settle your claim. This clock starts counting down from the date of the accident and ends when you either settle your claim or file a lawsuit against the person who caused your injury. 

It is in your best interests to wait until your case has progressed through all of its stages before accepting any offer from an insurance company. Your lawyer needs to gather evidence to build your case and present it in court if needed. 

Your attorney will want to follow up with witnesses and obtain statements, electronic evidence (such as video footage and images), police reports, medical bills, wage loss verifications, and any other information that may be helpful to your case. This process can take a long time and is a vital step in ensuring your lawyer has all the information they need to build your case. 

After receiving a settlement demand from your accident lawyer, the insurance company for the at-fault driver will review your claim. This can take several weeks. 

Once the insurance company has reviewed your claim, they will make you a settlement offer. This will be a figure they feel is fair given the circumstances of your accident and your damages. This offer is typically a few percent lower than your original request. 

If the initial offer is low, it’s important to counter with a higher figure. This can be done in the form of a response letter that outlines why the offer is too low. The insurance company will then have a better understanding of your case and may increase their offer. 

Generally, an experienced car accident lawyer will take their time to gather all of the necessary evidence and prepare your case. This can involve reviewing all of your medical records and bills, property damage estimates, and wage loss verifications to determine the amount of your damages. 

A qualified attorney will also look for witnesses who can testify to the fact that you were injured as a result of the car accident. Your lawyer can use this evidence to help strengthen your case and increase the value of your claim. 

Your personal injury lawyer will then negotiate with the insurance company to reach a satisfactory settlement for you. This can take several months or even years, depending on the complexity of your case and the insurance company’s resistance to settling. If the insurance company does not agree to a reasonable settlement, your attorney can pursue a trial on your behalf. This can be a lengthy and expensive process, but it can be worth the price when your case finally settles in your favor.