After a car accident, you may wonder whether or not you can seek compensation for the injuries and damages you have sustained. Also, you may not be sure about the amount you might be able to receive. If you have tried getting answers through the internet, the information you may get can seem conflicting and complicated. The reason is that the process to pursue a car accident claim is complex. And you should seek legal consultation to get the right answers to your questions.
How much you will get from a settlement depends on the liable party, insurance liabilities, and legal liability. However, it often boils down to the competence of the car accident attorney you hire. Read on to know how much you can expect to get from a car accident claim:
Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit
The amount of compensation you might receive for your car accident injuries might rely on the insurance company and whether you have filed a lawsuit. First, you need an attorney to help you sue the at-fault party, so you can pursue damages. Then, the settlement process begins. If the negligent party pays you, you agree to either not sue the other party or drop the lawsuit you already filed.
A lot of car accidents do not make it to trial. Rather, they are resolved through the settlement process. During this process, your attorney will take most of the stress. They do a back-and-forth negotiation with the other party until they can secure reasonable compensation for you.
When it comes to car accident claims, you must have realistic expectations. Your attorney knows their negotiation strengths and the state standards. As they walk you through what can be expected from your claim, you can adjust your expectations and figure out a fair estimate of your settlement amount.
Determining the Settlement Amount
When your attorney starts negotiating for a settlement with the other party, they consider some factors. These include medical expenses and non-medical expenses that you take on. These expenses should be directly associated with the accident and may include the income you lost because of missing or losing your job. Sometimes, punitive damages can also be awarded to punish the offender for their behavior. In addition, you may be able to seek compensation for pain and suffering that directly resulted from the actions of the at-fault driver. As long as you have the best lawyer on your side, you have a good chance of securing the full compensation you deserve.
