Auto Accident Settlement Process
As you begin to recover from your car accident and start the process of pursuing a car accident lawsuit, you may have questions about the car accident settlement process. While every car accident is a unique situation and each car accident settlement process may differ to some degree, the majority of them will generally go through a very similar process.
Also, bear in mind that the state in which the accident occurred can also affect the exact process of a car accident settlement. For example, car insurance policies in some states allow drivers to sue other drivers. Other states may not allow this, but accident victims in those states may still pursue monetary compensation through the other driver’s insurance carrier, their own insurance carrier, or a combination of the two.
First things first: you’ll want to reach out to a personal injury attorney to handle your case. The sooner you connect with an attorney after the accident, the better. Bear in mind that there are statutes of limitations that place time limits, often ranging from one to six years, on accident cases.
Your attorney will work diligently to get you the best settlement possible for your specific case. Typically, a personal injury attorney’s goal is to avoid going to trial and settling outside of court. Taking an accident case to trial can be costly and time-consuming, but this doesn’t happen often when it comes to car accident cases. All parties are often able to agree on a settlement amount.
Evidence and other necessary details regarding the accident is an important part of the car accident settlement process. You’ll need to gather all documentation that supports your claim, such as medical records, photographs, witness testimony, and so on. Your attorney will tell you exactly what documents you need, and that evidence will be submitted to the insurance carrier, along with a demand letter. The letter outlines your claim, including the details of the accident, injuries sustained, and how much compensation you’re looking to recover.
The insurance carrier will then investigate your claim after receiving your demand letter. They may accept or deny your settlement offer or may respond with a counteroffer. You and your attorney will eventually work to settle on an amount that is reasonable, and that all parties ultimately agree to. If the insurance carrier flat out denies the claim, your attorney will submit an appeal to the claims adjuster.
Car accident cases can settle rather quickly, or there may be a lot of back and forth negotiations between your attorney and the insurance carrier. The car accident settlement process can be a time-consuming one overall, taking anywhere from a few months to a few years to settle. Contact USClaims to learn more about receiving money through a lawsuit advance.
