Accident Settlement Not Working Out? What To Do Next
Posted on: 24 June 2021
When a careless driver strikes, accident victims have more than one way to get paid for their damages. Some victims of minor accidents can be satisfied with the payment of their medical bills and getting their vehicles fixed. If your injuries were worse, though, then your damages will probably domino into a much larger financial issue. To be paid for more serious accidents, you can either be paid via a settlement or take your case to court. Read on and find what to do next when your case doesn't settle and how a lawyer can help you.
Understanding Accident Damages
Some accident victims settle too quickly and leave money on the table that could have paid accident damages like lost wages and more. It's tempting to take the money and never look back. Usually, victims that accept inadequate settlements don't seek legal help and are making poor decisions on their own. When looking at an accident, victims need to know what their damages are. That doesn't mean how badly your vehicle is damaged. It means how much you are owed in medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering, and more. There is no way to know how fair a settlement is without this information. Once you have a personal injury lawyer to help you, you will know exactly how much the offer should be.
Not All Cases Settle
Unfortunately, some cases don't settle for various reasons. Even if you have a lawyer, the other side has to be willing to accept fault and pay you what is fair. You should also be ready to reduce your bottom line if more facts come to light. For example, if you learn that your actions could have contributed to either the accident or to your own injuries, you should consider lowering your expectations using your lawyer's advice.
When a Lawsuit is Necessary
If your personal injury lawyer knows you have a good case and will win in court, that might be the best move to make. Keep in mind that as you prepare for your trial, you can still be offered a good settlement. For example, part of trial preparation includes a deposition. If certain facts should be revealed at the deposition, the other side might be willing to up their offer. Almost any pretrial activity might prompt a bigger offer, and offers may come in even after the trial has begun.
Whether you take the settlement route or you take things to court, speak to a personal injury lawyer about your case right away.
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