Car Accident Lawyer
If you have sustained injuries in a car accident, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your losses. This can include your medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Many accident victims wonder how much they will receive from their settlement. The answer depends on the unique circumstances of your case.
Here are several things that can determine how much you will receive from a car accident settlement.
Fault
Sometimes it is very clear that the other driver is solely responsible for a car accident. Other times, fault may be unclear or shared by two drivers. If the other driver is found entirely at-fault for the accident, with the help of an attorney you may recover all of your damages. On the other hand, if you are partially to blame for the accident, your compensation will likely be reduced.
Immediate Medical Attention
After a car accident, it is critical to seek immediate emergency medical attention for your injuries. However, some people may delay medical care because they feel okay initially. Often the adrenaline from an accident prevents you from fully feeling the effects of the crash until the following day.However, waiting to see a doctor can harm your injury case. The insurance company may try to argue that you were not actually injured if you did not seek prompt medical attention after the accident. Therefore, it’s wise to be checked out by a medical provider immediately following an accident.
Types of Injuries
As a Santa Monica, CA car accident lawyer can confirm, the type of injuries you sustain in a car accident can greatly influence how much compensation you receive. Generally, the more severe your injuries are, the larger your settlement will be. For example, you may receive a much higher settlement for a traumatic brain injury than if you had suffered a sprain or laceration. Traumatic brain injuries can require extensive rehabilitation, which can mean costly medical bills.
Permanent Disabilities
Severe car accidents can sometimes cause permanent disabilities, like amputations, paralysis and severe burns. Treating these disabilities can get very expensive. Those who sustain permanent disabilities may need long-term personal care. They may also not be able to work anymore, which can make them lose future income.
Statements You Take
Following a car accident, you have to be careful about what you say. For example, you never want to say “I’m sorry” or other statements at the accident scene that may indicate fault. Our friends at Cohen Legal advise that if you talk to an insurance adjuster about the accident, do not admit to fault and or say that you feel fine. You also should not agree to give a recorded statement to the insurance company.
Whether You Hire a Lawyer
Many injury victims do not know the true value of their claims, so they can get taken advantage of by insurance companies. They may accept a low settlement offer that does not cover all of their damages. That is why it is important to work with an experienced car accident lawyer. He or she will know the actual value of your case and fight for the compensation you deserve. You may have a higher chance of receiving a fair settlement with a lawyer.
