How To Deal With An Inadequate Car Accident Settlement
by Susie Torres
You might realize that you are owed certain monetary damages after an accident that was not your fault. However, you may be surprised when the expected offer is much lower than what you expected. It's vital to know what you deserve after an auto accident. It's also important to know what to do when the money you are offered is far from enough.
If you are involved in an auto accident that was not your fault and the other driver's insurance company does not offer you enough compensation, there are several steps you can take:
Hire a Personal Injury Attorney
You may want to consider hiring a personal injury attorney. An attorney can help you navigate the claims process and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. Your attorney will need things like police reports, medical bills, and repair estimates, to get your claim started.
Send a Demand Letter
Your attorney will prepare a demand letter to send to the at-fault driver's insurance company. This letter explains why you are not at fault and summarizes your damages. For instance, the dollar amount you have accumulated in medical treatment costs may be mentioned in the letter. The letter, most importantly, also asks for a sum of money you will accept to close the case and move on.
Mediation or Arbitration
If the demand letter fails to secure an adequate settlement offer, mediation or arbitration can be an alternative to going to court. In these processes, a neutral third party helps you and the insurance company reach a settlement. This may be less expensive and time-consuming than taking your case to court.
File a Lawsuit
If all the above do not result in a fair settlement, you may need to file a lawsuit against the other driver to recover damages. Your attorney can advise you on whether this is a viable option. Lawsuits begin with a petition that may look a lot like a demand letter in content. Discovery is the exchange of case information between your party and the other driver's party. Keep in mind that cases can still be settled after you file a lawsuit if you are open to it.
If you are not satisfied with the compensation offered by the other driver's insurance company, there are options available to you. It is important to seek the advice of an experienced attorney who can help you understand your legal rights and options. Learn more by speaking with an auto accident attorney today.
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About Me
After you are involved in a serious car accident, you might feel confused about what to do next. In order to feel like yourself again, you might be tempted to try to go about your daily activities, only to come across loads of challenges. In addition to focusing on your own recovery, you might also be left wondering what to do about medical bills, pushy insurance adjusters, and annoying family members. However, the right lawyer can help you to find your way. My name is Dan, and I know firsthand how difficult it can be to recover from a bad injury. Read my website to learn how proper legal representation can simplify your journey.