Millions of car accident claims are filed annually for damages resulting from crashes. While some of these claims result in fair settlements, others do not. Crash victims often end up settling for much less than they deserve.
Settling for less with your car accident claim means paying for some of the damages out-of-pocket. It can leave you in financial difficulty, especially when your injuries have far-reaching effects on your life. Here is why this happens.
A lack of understanding
Not everyone who has been in a car accident understands their rights or how the claims process works. They may not know what compensation they are entitled to and may be intimidated by the legal system. It could lead them to accept a lower settlement offer without realizing they could have received more if they had followed the proper channels.
Rushing to accept early settlement offers
Other people rush into the first settlement offer from an insurer after an accident. Accepting an early offer seems convenient since you do not have to go through the claims process or the courts. However, it is not always enough to cover all your damages. Remember, accepting the offer to settle closes your claim, and you may have to make do with the compensation you agreed to with the insurer.
Underhand insurance tactics
Bad faith insurance practices can also lead to a low settlement for your personal injury claim. An insurance company may employ tactics to reduce the amount paid out in compensation, such as delaying the settlement process or failing to conduct investigations.
Protect your interests after a car accident
If you or a loved one has been involved in a crash, it helps to have qualified legal representation. A lot can go wrong as you navigate the claims process, but you will be in a better position to protect your rights and interests with the proper guidance. Remember,
If you are injured, seek treatment quickly after an accident. Don’t wait to talk w the ins company. Don’t want a gap between accident and first treatment.
Use your health insurance or Medicare/Medicaid/Med Pay for treatment if you have that. The at-fault insurance company will not pay your bills! You are responsible for your own treatment. Most law firms will send you to sketchy clinics and chiropractors on a lien that do not bill health insurance or Medicare/Medicare. Your bills then have to be paid out of your settlement-means the injured person gets a lot less money out of their settlement. Our firm will get you to a good orthopedist who will bill your insurance. That is key. Even if you have no insurance to cover your bills. We will get you to a good medical provider. Who you treat with and how much you treat is a big key to a good settlement.