Got In a Car Accident, How do Settlements Work?

Being involved in a car accident can put you in a vulnerable place. You might be injured, out of work, or you may find yourself left with expensive bills. If you were not at the fault for the accident, this can be increasingly difficult to navigate. 

Once you’ve had the time to process what has happened, you can begin to think beyond safety and survival. You may wonder, where do I go from here? 

Let’s take a deeper dive into understanding how the car accident settlements process works.

Settlements VS Lawsuits

It is important to note that, in most car accident cases, conflict can be resolved through the settlement process and lawsuits are not often necessary. It is always in your best interest to work with an attorney on your case. By working closely with your attorney, you will have professional guidance on your compensation and reach a settlement that meets your needs. 

How do car accident Settlements Work?

Settlements occur when your attorney negotiates with your insurance provider on your behalf. 

With Florida as a “no-fault” state, most often you will be seeking compensation from your own insurance company. By working with an attorney, you will have an experienced negotiator on your side, fighting for your best interest. 

Your attorney will obtain:

• Any photos from the scene of the accident
• Contact information from all parties involved
• Insurance information from all parties involved
• Any related security camera footage
• Corresponding Police reports
• Related medical information
• Detailed information regarding damages

The more information you are able to provide to add to your case, the better. Once all of the necessary details and evidence has been collected, your attorney will reach out to your insurance company to begin the settlement process. They will present the insurance provider with the details surrounding property damages, medical bills, and lost wages. Your attorney will ensure they seek the maximum compensation possible. 

Insurance Adjusters

One of the key advantages of working with an attorney is that they know how insurance adjusters operate.

More often than not, insurance adjusters will respond to your claim with a low compensation offer. You can see how this would be a problem, you were involved in an accident that you didn’t cause and now you’re left with bills you can’t pay at no fault of your own!

It is common and expected that their first offer will be low.The insurance company isn’t making money if they are paying out compensation all the time. Not to worry, your attorney is used to this and will use their industry expertise to negotiate your claim. With most cases, you will reach a reasonable settlement without a lawsuit. 

Key Takeaways

Just remember, if you’re ever in a car accident, get the most information you can. Don’t bypass medical attention or filing a police report – these will be helpful during the car accident settlement process. 

And always work with an attorney, especially when insurance companies are involved! 

If you have questions regarding your car accident injury case, please give our attorneys a call. We would be happy to help you through the process.