After you suffer an injury in a car accident, an insurance company will contact you soon to try to settle your claim. The company may offer a settlement to try to resolve things quickly. But, when you accept this offer, you could lose your right to additional compensation. Thus, you should discuss any settlement offer with car accident attorneys Los Angeles. These attorneys usually provide a free legal consultation during which you can discuss your accident with them and ask the attorney some relevant questions.
Insurance Companies are Looking to Settle Quickly
Insurance carriers will always try to make a quick settlement offer, hoping that accident victims will accept it. Typically, their initial offer won’t cover your damages. They know that most victims feel desperate and need money immediately since they have been unable to work and have bills piling up. But once you accept their offer, they will encourage you to sign a document that releases their policyholder from further obligations to you. They often make a quick offer, so you won’t have time to consult an attorney and know the true value of your claim.
Because you probably don’t know how much your claim is worth, consult your attorney first before you accept a settlement offer. Once your lawyer determines the worth of your claim, they will negotiate with the company to get fair compensation. Just ensure you work with an attorney who has a history of getting favorable compensation and can evaluate your situation. A great lawyer can negotiate an appropriate counteroffer with the insurance carrier.
Initial Settlement Offers Don’t Cover Your Damages
Realizing the full value of your damages usually takes time. If you sustained traumatic injuries in a car accident, you may require months or even years of treatment and rehab. In the days after the accident, you may not be able to tell the exact cost of your medical care and treatment. Once you get a particular level of healing, your doctors can evaluate the amount of treatment you may need in the future. With this, your lawyer can get a better idea of your claim’s value.
Preserving Your Right to File a Lawsuit
When you accept the initial offer from the insurance company, it will ask you to sign a document that waives your right to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver and the insurance company. Your attorney should be able to explain to you the legalities involved in this.
