What’s Included in a Car Accident Settlement?

Fight for maximum compensation with an experienced Buffalo attorney

You’re injured in a car accident in Buffalo. The expenses can add up quickly: medical bills, lost income if you’re unable to work, damage to your vehicle, and numerous other costs. The insurance company may soon offer to settle your claim, if they haven’t already. The amount they offer may be tempting. Should you take it?

Here are the three things you need to know about car accident settlements.

1. Insurance companies rarely lead with their best offer. The amount they offer you is likely a “lowball” figure intended to pay you as little as possible. They do this because:
2. Once you accept a settlement, that’s it. Your case is settled and you can’t go back for more money, even if your costs turn out to be much higher than you thought. That’s why:
3. You should never accept a settlement without talking to your lawyer first. An experienced car accident attorney can review your settlement offer and explain whether it’s in your best interest to accept it or negotiate for more money.

The stakes are high. Don’t risk your future by dealing with the insurance company without legal representation. Talk to a car accident lawyer who can determine the true value of your case and advocate for the full compensation you deserve. Contact the Law Offices of James Morris in Buffalo today.

What should be included in my car accident settlement?

Again, you only get one shot at full compensation for the entire cost of your car accident, from immediate expenses to costs that may be many years down the road. Your settlement should include financial compensation for:

• All medical expenses arising from the car accident. That includes ambulance fees, emergency medical care, surgery, physical therapy, medications, medical devices, and more. It also includes the anticipated cost of future medical procedures, including follow-up surgery and ongoing medical care.
• Lost income if you are unable to work or need to take on reduced duties due to your injuries, as well as lost future earnings.
• Modifications to your home or vehicle to accommodate a permanent disability.
• The reasonable cost of replacement services such as childcare, maintenance, and yard work.
• Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and mental anguish.
• Damage to your vehicle and other personal property.

Another key factor in your settlement is who was responsible for the accident and how much insurance coverage is available. The advantage of hiring an experienced car accident attorney is that we can investigate to find both the full cost of the accident and the full amount of available insurance, positioning you to maximize your recovery.

The best way to improve your settlement is to hire an attorney

While you are allowed to negotiate with an insurance company on your own, it’s not in your best interest. Insurance adjusters deal with claims every day, and they are well-versed in techniques that protect the insurance company’s bottom line. The insurance companies have legal representation as well. On your own, you’re at a disadvantage. Hiring a car accident lawyer levels the playing field and allows you to put more pressure on the insurance company to pay full value for your claim.

Our law firm can investigate your accident and build your case for the full compensation you deserve, then negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. We will deal with the day-to-day negotiations and keep you informed while you focus on getting better. Ultimately, the decision of whether to accept or reject a settlement is yours. Our job is to explain your legal options and the strength of your case so that you can make the best decision for your future.

Schedule your free consultation with a Buffalo car accident lawyer

If you’re worried about the cost to hire a lawyer, remember that we work on a contingency fee basis. That means we only get paid if we negotiate a favorable settlement or win a verdict for you at trial. If we don’t win your case, you don’t owe us a penny. The insurance industry’s own data shows that injured people who hire an attorney recover more than those who don’t, even taking the attorney’s fee into account. So the real question isn’t whether you can afford an attorney; it’s whether you can afford not to hire one.

We offer a free, no-obligation consultation, so there is no downside to getting answers about your legal rights and options. Find out how we can negotiate for a better settlement on your behalf. Contact the Law Offices of James Morris today to speak with an experienced car accident attorney.