A car accident can occur in the blink of an eye, leaving victims badly injured or worse. Across the United States, several thousand people lose their lives in car accidents every day. Victims may be offered a settlement after an accident in lieu of going through with a car accident claim. If you are unsure when you should accept a settlement offer for a car accident in Washington, you should speak with an experienced car accident lawyer.
Premier Law Group is a team of skilled lawyers with experience helping clients who have been the victims of Washington car accidents. As you recover from your injuries, it can be overwhelming as you try to pursue the financial compensation you are owed from the at-fault driver. While accepting a settlement may seem like a quick fix, it may not always be the best option for you to receive the highest amount of compensation that may be owed to you.
Should You Accept a Settlement Offer for a Washington Car Accident?
Accepting a settlement may seem like you have gotten a quick and easy solution to the losses you have suffered, but the truth is that an insurance company will never give you a settlement with the maximum amount of financial compensation you are owed. Insurance companies are typically going to try to give the lowest possible settlement to save themselves money. If you are considering accepting a settlement offer after a car accident, you may want to consult a trusted car accident lawyer who may be able to help you understand how much money you may be owed in damages so you can compare that to the settlement offer. In most cases, the first offer from an insurer will be a lowball offer, so you should always speak with a skilled lawyer first to ensure that this offer is in your best interest.
If You Reject the Settlement Offer, Can You Still Recover Damages?
You are still able to collect damages even if you reject a settlement offer from the insurance company. Many people think that accepting the settlement is the best way to resolve their claim, but that is not the case. So, it is important to take the time to contact a car accident lawyer who can help you navigate the claims process as you pursue the compensation owed to you. After a car accident, you may be able to collect the following forms of compensation for your injuries:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Lost earning potential
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
If you are unsure what damages you may be entitled to recover, a car accident lawyer may be able to help you by looking over the details of your claim.
Essential Facts to Know About a Settlement Offer
Going through the Washington claims process can be overwhelming and intimidating. The following are helpful facts to know if you are offered a settlement offer after your accident:
- When the offer is too low, you can reject it and send a counteroffer
- You can politely refuse to speak with an insurance provider until you have spoken to a car accident lawyer
- It is best to wait until you have completed any medical treatments to negotiate the settlement so that the proper amount in damages may be understood
Insurance companies may try to take advantage of a naive individual going through the Washington claims process by offering them a low settlement amount. Working with a trusted lawyer is crucial to ensuring you can pursue the best settlement available to you.
Partner With a Washington Car Accident Lawyer
Being the victim of a car accident can be a life-altering event for many people. As you recover from your injuries, it is crucial that you are appropriately compensated for your losses. While a settlement offer may seem tempting, a car accident lawyer in Seattle, WA can help you understand whether or not that offer is in your best interest.
Premier Law Group is dedicated to providing their clients with trusted legal counsel as they build their Washington car accident claims. Our legal team is proud to provide clients with the specialized and unique service they deserve. You can schedule a free consultation here or call (206) 880-7518.