claimant signing a settlement after a car accident

Should I Accept a Settlement After a Car Accident?

After an accident, it’s easy to understand that you have a significant need for compensation to cover expenses associated with lost wages, medical bills, property damage, and more. It’s crucial to get compensation, and insurance adjusters recognize this need in a vulnerable situation.

In these difficult times, a settlement may seem like the best option for you. It gets you the money you need quickly and helps you avoid any further difficulties. Before you accept any settlement, you need to know what to look for and speak with legal counsel about your rights.

Does the Settlement Cover All Your Losses?

Before you accept any settlement from insurance adjusters, you want to be sure that it covers all of your losses stemming from the accident. Here are some of the crucial factors that must be included in a settlement, so you know what to expect:

  • Medical expenses: You want the settlement to cover medical treatment, all procedures, medication, and ongoing care.
  • Lost income: If your injuries prevent you from working and earning an income, make sure the insurance adjuster includes it in the settlement.
  • Property losses: You may need to fix your vehicle after the crash, but it’s not something you can always afford out of your pocket. A settlement offer should include this cost.
  • Pain and suffering: Your settlement should also consider your pain and suffering, as well as your mental anguish. The long-term impact of a crash must be a factor in how much you should recover.

If the settlement offer does not include all of the above, you may want to review the offer with your attorney to determine more about what rights you have. It may be necessary to request even more compensation. If they deny your settlement, you and your legal team may take legal action against the responsible party and an insurance company.

Keep in mind that you may forfeit your right to pursue any additional compensation if you accept the settlement offer.

Before accepting anything, speak with our Austin car accident lawyers about your rights. Our team at Briggle & Polan, PLLC makes your compensation our top priority, and we go above and beyond when it matters most to you.

Call our firm at (512) 400-3278 today for a free consultation.

Categories