Following a personal injury, whether from a slip and fall, auto accident, medical malpractice, or other type, you will likely receive a settlement offer before your case goes to court and an injury lawyer can help with your accident settlement. Since most cases are settled out of court, having personal injury lawyers act on your behalf is a good idea, so you can receive the maximum compensation for your injury. Keep in mind that an initial settlement offer might not be enough to cover the expenses of your injury. Only your attorney can advise you on what the best course of action might be in your particular situation. In Florida, personal injury attorneys in Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach can help with your accident settlement and work to see that you receive the maximum compensation.
Filing a Claim
When a plaintiff’s attorney finds out that a claim is about to be filed in a case, the insurance adjuster or other party may make an offer to settle the claim outside of court. This offer may be less than is expected and not be enough to cover medical costs, particularly if the offer comes from the other party’s insurance company. This is not in a client’s best interest obviously, but an injured individual does not have the expertise to negotiate a private settlement without the assistance of an experienced attorney. Trying to negotiate a settlement alone can end up costing an injured person much more in out-of-pocket expenses and an injury lawyer can help with accident settlement.
How Insurance Companies Reach a Settlement Figure
By using medical records, doctors’ reports that estimate a time period for recovery, lost time from work, and other expenses associated with your injury, your attorney can help you reach a figure that will cover what the costs will be. Insurance companies use formulas to arrive at a settlement figure. This may include medical damages and nonmedical damages, such as pain and suffering. The lost time from work is also added. When adding up damages the insurance company will often arrive at the lowest amount. If you are partially at fault for the accident that caused your injury, a percentage of the figure may be deducted.
Negotiating Damages With an Uninsured Motorist
An individual who has suffered an injury in an accident with an uninsured motorist faces different challenges. A driver who does not carry insurance is probably not worth taking to court unless this driver was in a company car. In this case, the company may also be held responsible for the injury.
Handling an Insurance Settlement Yourself
Timing can be an important factor when being offered a settlement for your personal injury. An individual who is unrepresented by counsel may be offered a low settlement relative to the actual damages. Someone who is unfamiliar with the legal process and facing large medical bills may appear desperate and receive a settlement offer that is even less.
Florida Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help
A person who has been injured in an accident would be wise to contact an attorney right away, so his or her rights are protected from the beginning and a settlement, if reached outside of court, is at the maximum. Kaiser Romanello offers attorneys experienced in personal injuries and will work hard to get you the maximum amount to cover all your expenses. Contact us for a free evaluation of your case. Our injury lawyer can help with your accident settlement and answer your questions, so you can concentrate on getting better without additional stress.
