When you’re injured in a car accident, the last thing you need is someone trying to take advantage of you. You’re injured, your car is damaged, and all you want is to get better.
You’ve paid your insurance premiums on time and are up to date on your payments. Unfortunately, your insurance company or the insurance company of the driver who hit you may not have your best interests in mind.
Initial Settlement Offers
Within days after your car accident injury, a representative from the insurance company will contact you. They’ll offer you a settlement and you’ll want to take it.
Don’t.
The insurance company knows you’re injured, possibly out of work during your recovery, have regular bills and new medical bills piling up, and they will take advantage of this fact. They offer you quick cash knowing you need it. You may be tempted to take their offer. But their settlement offer won’t take into account all of your future expenses. A lawyer can help you calculate your costs and help you get a fair settlement that actually covers what you need.
What the Initial Settlement Offer Won’t Cover
The initial settlement offer may look appetizing. But it likely won’t cover:
- Rehabilitation costs
- Future medical bills
- Lost wages
Depending on the severity of your injury, you may be out of work for a long time. You may also have an extensive recovery period ahead. The lack of income and expensive medical bills can quickly put you into a terrible financial situation. You didn’t cause the accident and you should not be on the hook for any of the costs associated with your injuries.
By taking the initial settlement offer, you’ll waive your right to any future compensation. This means that when you can’t afford your medical treatment anymore because the settlement was too small, you’ll be on the hook personally for the costs.
Working with a lawyer gives you a chance to make sure all of your costs are covered. We work with you to get an accurate estimate of all of your future costs so you don’t end up in a bad financial situation. Understanding what you need will help us settle your case for a fair amount.
Damages to Recover
Whether we are able to settle your case for a fair amount or if we have to take your case to trial, we will work hard to recover damages for you. These include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Past, present, and future medical bills
- Rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages
- Loss of companionship
By working with a lawyer, you give yourself the opportunity to recover damages not included in any initial settlement offers. We’re looking out for you and your best interests, something not all insurance companies do.
Contact a Lawyer for Help
A law firm will be focused on the legal work while you focus on your recovery. You already have enough to worry about so let a lawyer take the legal stress off your mind.