A car accident can disrupt your life in an instant. Between the physical pain, emotional stress, and growing financial pressures from medical bills, lost wages, and repairs, it’s a lot to handle. If you’re dealing with the aftermath and wondering how car accident settlements work, you’re not alone.
So, how do car accident settlements work? Let’s walk you through it and explain why having the right car accident lawyer can make all the difference in getting your desired outcome.
What Is a Car Accident Settlement?
A car accident settlement is an agreement between you and the other driver’s insurance company to handle your claim without heading to court. It’s meant to cover your medical bills, car repairs, lost income, and even the pain and stress you’ve gone through.
The settlement amount depends on how severe your injuries are, who’s at fault, and how the accident has affected your life. Getting a fair settlement isn’t as simple as filing a claim. The process often requires legal help to get the best outcome.
Steps in Settling a Car Accident Claim
Settling a personal injury claim doesn’t happen in an instant. Several events must take place before a settlement can be reached.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Your health should come first if you’ve been in a car accident. Make sure to see a doctor, even if you feel fine at the time. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal damage, can show up later. Your medical records are also important for showing the extent of your injuries when filing a claim.
File a Police Report
The police report is your most potent piece of evidence. It provides the official account of the accident, including who was involved, what happened, and any witnesses.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company to report the accident promptly. Provide them with basic information, but avoid making detailed statements or accepting a settlement offer before speaking to an attorney.
Gather Evidence
Make sure to keep track of everything after the accident. Take photos of the scene and any damage, save your medical bills, keep proof of lost wages, and hold onto any communication with the insurance company.
Consult a Car Accident Lawyer
An important step in settling a car accident claim is talking to an experienced car accident lawyer. Insurance companies are focused on paying out as little as possible, and trying to handle it alone can put you at a disadvantage. At Travis, Moore & Brann PLLP, we’ll take care of everything, from reviewing settlement offers to filing a lawsuit if it comes to that.
Negotiate with the Insurance Company
Once your medical treatment is underway and your expenses are well-documented, your lawyer will submit a demand letter to the at-fault party’s insurer. This letter outlines your injuries, damages, and the compensation you’re seeking. The insurer may respond with a counteroffer, initiating negotiations.
Accept or Reject the Settlement
After the negotiation, the insurance company might make a settlement offer. Before you accept, your lawyer will make sure the amount covers all your current and future medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. If the offer isn’t enough, filing a lawsuit could be the next step.
Finalize the Settlement Agreement
Once an agreement is made, you’ll sign a settlement, and the insurance company will release the funds. Remember that accepting a settlement usually means you give up the right to ask for more compensation related to the accident.
Why You Shouldn’t Handle It Alone
While you might feel tempted to handle the claim process yourself, doing so could cost you dearly. Insurance companies are trained to protect their bottom line, not your interests. Without legal guidance, you risk settling for far less than you need—or deserve.
At Travis, Moore & Brann PLLP, our experienced car accident attorneys know how to navigate the complexities of car accident claims. From calculating the full scope of your damages to countering low settlement offers, we’ll handle every aspect of your case so you can focus on healing.
Factors That Impact Your Settlement Amount
Many elements influence the value of your car accident settlement, including:
- The Severity of Your Injuries: Due to increased medical expenses and long-term impact, more severe injuries typically result in higher settlements.
- Liability: Clear evidence that the other party was at fault strengthens your claim.
- Future Medical Needs: Future medical costs should be factored into the settlement if your injuries require ongoing treatment.
- Pain and Suffering: Damages like emotional stress are essential, too.
Take Action Today
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, don’t leave your settlement to chance. Contact Travis, Moore & Brann PLLP today at (406) 752-7550 or contact us online for a free consultation. Our Kalispell car accident lawyers will provide the compassionate, experienced support you need to handle this difficult time.
Let us fight for the fair compensation you deserve. You don’t have to go through this on your own.
