A car accident insurance settlement is the amount of compensation that a victim in an auto accident can receive when their claim is handled through insurance. Auto accident insurance settlement cases are the most prolific type of insurance settlement that is negotiated for personal injury claims. This is mostly because of the fact that there are so many motor vehicle accidents in the United States every year.
There are at least five million motor vehicle accidents on our nation’s roadways every year. In these motor vehicle accidents, approximately two million people are injured and at least 20,000 people die, according to Bureau of Transportation statistics. Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death and serious injury for people under the age of thirty-five.
Car Accident Claims
If you have been injured in a car wreck in Texas, and have not made an injury claim before, it is helpful to understand the process before you speak with the adjuster for the driver who injured you.
Adjustors in serious injury cases usually seek a statement from the victim very soon after the accident is reported to the insurance company. This is especially true in cases where the insurer perceives significant exposure, like wrongful death, drunk driver, or commercial vehicle (18 wheeler) accident. Generally, the more serious the potential claim, the nicer and more helpful-appearing are the adjustors.
Do not fall for it! The truth is, the insurance adjuster is out to settle the claim for as little as possible (or if they can find a defense, to deny the claim). Usually, giving a statement to the adjustor before seeking advice from an experienced auto accident attorney is a mistake. Some of the adverse adjustors’ questions are designed solely to help the insurance company defend the claim and pay as little as possible. Examples of such are questions about past claims history, or lawsuits, other injuries, prior car accidents, and describing every area of injury (prior to some physicians testing, etc.
It is best to obtain advice from an experienced car accident lawyer with a track record of success before giving any statements.
Uninsured Drivers
Evermore frequently, given the economic downturn, our clients are involved in auto accidents where they are seriously injured and the other driver is uninsured or has minimal policy limits. In these cases, it is important to determine early on if you have uninsured/underinsured accident coverage. If you do have such coverage, in effect your insurer stands responsible for the damages caused by the uninsured or underinsured driver. In that case, your own insurer becomes averse to your interest in getting full and fair compensation.
Insurance Settlement Awards
Auto accident insurance settlement awards are most appropriate in cases where no serious property or bodily injury resulted from the accident. However, auto accident insurance settlements are also possible in many injury and property damage auto accident situations. These cases are best handled with the help of a professional attorney, who can ensure that a victim’s rights and options are protected and maximized through the process of auto accident insurance settlement negotiations.
When an automobile accident occurs there are a number of steps that a victim can take in order to protect and maximize their interests. It is imperative that a victim makes sure that they do not say anything immediately after an accident that might constitute an admission of blame for the auto accident. Even if it is clear that a victim was in no way to blame for the accident, certain statements can be later considered damaging to a person’s auto accident insurance settlement. Filing a police report at the scene of the accident can also prove beneficial to an auto accident insurance settlement.
Settlement Process
After the accident, a person will want to file a claim with their insurance company in order to begin the auto accident insurance settlement process. A claims adjuster will examine the facts of the case in order to determine liability and the extent of damages that were incurred as a result of the accident. If it is determined that you were at least partially at fault in the accident you may not be eligible for compensation through an auto accident insurance settlement. There are exceptions; therefore it may be advantageous to consult with a legal professional who can determine your rights and options.
Compensation
If you have suffered losses in an accident, an auto accident insurance settlement can compensate you for your damages. It is possible to receive reparations for related medical expenses, loss of wages or earning potential, pain, and suffering, and property damages through an auto accident insurance settlement. Insurance claims adjusters will often look for ways to provide the minimum compensation for your accident damages.
A legal professional can be your best advocate in an auto accident insurance settlement, helping to tie up loose ends involving medical expenses and property damage and to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries in an auto accident insurance settlement.