Settling Your Personal Injury Claims

If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident that results in some injury or loss you may be eligible for compensation by way of a personal injury claim. If such an accident is because of negligence you can be compensated through a personal injury claim or lawsuit. Car accident injuries may cause the victim to endure hospitalization, surgery, therapy, medication and other treatments necessary for recovery. Such treatments result in the piling up of medical bills. Filing a personal injury claim brings the question of whether to settle a matter or go to trial. Going through a trial for compensation may be overwhelming. But you may be able to get what you deserve through a settlement. However, while settling may seem attractive and be an easy way to receive compensation avoid accepting the first settlement. You must consider what the doctor has to say about your problems and the total scope of your injuries.

Settling v. Trial

Most personal injury cases do not go to trial. It is more common for the parties to negotiate a settlement before filing a lawsuit or during the pre-trial stage. It is during these negotiations that parties agree on a sum of money for compensation of the plaintiff’s injuries. Without an attorney the victim may have to go through a settlement negotiation with the insurance company. However, it is at this point that insurance companies give a low initial settlement offer.

Before accepting a settlement consider the following:

• your injuries and the care that they will need in future – discuss your case with your doctors,
• look at the strengths and weaknesses of your case – regarding evidence you have
• looking at previous cases with similar factors as yours,
• having the skill of negotiation and
• try to predict your chances of winning if your case goes to trial

To achieve these you will need the services of an experienced accident attorney. Having the best personal injury attorney on your side is important in negotiating a settlement.