It depends. If you were in a small fender bender with limited damage to your car and injury to yourself, there probably isn’t going to be much a car accident attorney can do to help increase your recovery. For the most part, car accident claim damages consist of: missed work/lost wages, medical bills, and damage to your car. If you weren’t really injured or there wasn’t much physical damage to your car then there really isn’t much to fight about.
However, if you’ve suffered more than just cuts and scrapes, missed work, been to the doctor, and/or your car has been totaled or has significant damage, the answer is probably not until you’ve spoken with a car accident attorney. While you are concentrating on healing from your injury, the insurance company is trying to resolve your claim as quickly as they can for as little an amount as possible. They may begin to call you a lot to try to wrap things up in hopes of paying a lot less.
What to do if the Other Driver’s Insurance Company Makes an Offer
When you’re in a car accident, the injury is a big enough issue. It limits your day to day physical ability and maybe even mental ability to do your job. The main thing on your mind is just trying to get better. But what also comes with that injury is mounting medical bills and possibly time off from work. The financial side of a car accident can make things very difficult. Unfortunately, insurance carriers know this and try to take advantage to pay less on their claims.
But there is nothing that says you are required to accept the offer. There is nothing wrong with setting up a consultation with a car accident attorney. Most personal injury lawyers offer these for free with no strings attached. This consultation is designed to help you figure out your options and see if there may be something more to your claim. Insurance companies know that when they are dealing with an individual who isn’t represented by an attorney, that they are more likely to get out of the claim with paying less.
It is possible that the offer they give you doesn’t even cover your expenses or damages. Don’t be fooled into accepting a smaller amount without consultation, because you may not be fully healed from your injuries. If you are sent a check and cash it, that will almost assuredly act as a “release” of your claims. This means that even if you need surgery or other medical care down the road from the accident, you won’t be able to claim those damages. Inform the insurance company you won’t accept their offer. If you retain an attorney to handle your case, they will assume the contact point for you with the insurance company.
Contact a Car Accident Attorney to Help
You should never accept a settlement offer until all of your injuries from the accident have healed. This is called being “permanent and stationary.” Also, don’t be afraid to contact an attorney who deals with car accidents too soon after your crash. This will make it easier for your attorney to help you get your claim and evidence together and streamline a potential settlement. They will also be able to help evaluate your options and determine if an insurance company’s offer is worth taking or not.
