Getting into a car accident is a difficult experience. It can affect every aspect of your life, from your physical health to your finances. Chances are you've decided to seek damages to cover the cost of everything from medical bills to lost wages, but when do you know the right time to settle? It can be hard to know when an offer is fair and when it's the right time to take a settlement.
How to Know If a Settlement Is Fair
In deciding if an offer given by the insurance company for the at-fault driver is fair, you need to determine the value of the car accident. Depending upon the severity of the crash and what sort of injuries you sustained, the value can vary wildly. The following are factors to consider when determining the value of your case:
- Medical bills. How much have you paid, or are you anticipating paying, in medical treatment related to the accident? Costs should include any and all hospital bills, physical therapies, medications, and appointments.
- Vehicle damage. Was your car totaled? Did you replace it, or does it still have some major repairs that must be made?
- Lost wages. If the accident was of a particular level of severity, chances are you missed some days at the office. If you have been unable to work due to the accident, your lost wages should be calculated into the total value of the accident.
- Pain and suffering. A lawyer can help you determine a dollar amount for any trauma you have dealt with as a result of the accident. If you have been left with a permanent disability, this also can be factored into "pain and suffering."
Finding a Houston Car Accident Attorney for Settlement
Working with an experienced Houston car accident lawyer right from the start of your journey is essential to winning the maximum amount of damages owed to you. It can be difficult to determine how much to seek when you have no experience with lawsuits, and you are attempting to navigate the process while also dealing with trauma and pain. Let the lawyer know that you wish to settle as quickly as possible but don't want to get less than you rightly deserve.
Don't Panic—You Have Time
While there is a statute of limitations as to how long you have to settle an accident claim, you have time to stand firm in what you're seeking. Your attorney will ensure you don't miss any deadlines. If you feel that the settlement isn't fair for whatever reason, express that to your attorney and explore your options. Continued negotiations are usually an option, as is taking the case to court.
Are you still looking for an attorney to help you seek damages and understand an appropriate time to settle? At SJ Injury Attorneys, we know how to get the most out of a settlement and how to do it quickly. Call us today to arrange a consultation to discuss what damages are available to you as a result of your accident.
