What’s Included in My Settlement?

There are a variety of factors to consider when you determine the amount of a claim for an auto accident case. This may be a very difficult task for a person not experienced in dealing with auto accident cases. The physical and emotional pain you experience as a result of an auto accident can distract you from making sound decisions. That is why you need a knowledgeable and experienced attorney that will fight on your behalf to get you the compensation you deserve for the pain and inconvenience you have suffered.

These are some of the factors that are evaluated to determine your settlement:

Who's at fault for the accident?
The first factor to consider is who was at fault for the accident. Was it the other driver? Was it me? Or, was it both of us? An experienced attorney will gather evidence from an array of sources to determine exactly who was at fault. There is no hard rule on making these determinations and that is why you need an attorney that will diligently gather all the evidence you need to make a claim that most benefits you. If the insurance company can plausibly argue that you were at least partially responsible for the accident, they will offer less on your case or make no offer at all.

How bad are my injuries?
Next, we have to determine the severity of your injuries. Injuries are not necessarily restricted to physical injuries but may include mental injuries as well. To accurately determine the severity and extent of your injuries, your attorney will perform a thorough review of your medical records and bills.

What about the damage to my vehicle?
Another factor to consider is the extent of damage to your vehicle. Looking at the physical damage sustained by each vehicle involved in the accident may be a clear indicator of who was at fault. Combined with other evidence gathered during our investigations we can make an accurate determination about what happened. Most importantly, an experienced attorney can properly calculate the extent of your property damage so that you can get back on the road in the same condition you were in before the accident.

How much insurance coverage is available?
The final factor to consider is the amount of insurance coverage available on your claim. How much insurance does the other drive? Does your personal policy provide you any coverage? Is there any other insurance available to the defendant? You need an attorney that understand insurance coverage law and maximize the amount of coverage available for your claim.

As you can see, hiring an attorney after a motor vehicle accident is one of the most important decisions you can make. Make sure you choose an attorney knows the ropes and has the experience to ensure you are adequately compensated for all of your injuries.


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