An injured person may have many reasons for settling after a car accident. Often, a settlement outweighs the risk of going to trial and allows a person to move on with their life.
Settling a car accident case in Boulder could bypass some of the emotional difficulty and stress of a trial. If you are facing losses after a wreck, a dedicated vehicle collision attorney could review the facts of your case and help you determine whether a settlement is the best option for you.
Immediately after an auto accident in Boulder, there are steps individuals can take to ensure the settlement process goes smoothly. Injured parties should note the name and contact information of the insurance adjuster for the at-fault motorist, as well as their own insurance information. They should also take the names of all the medical and healthcare providers they have gotten medical attention from and keep the traffic accident report if it is provided to them. Keeping track of these items allows an attorney to build a strong claim that highlights the losses incurred by the injured driver.
The settlement process involves making an agreement to settle a claim and signing a release. This release waives the ability to bring a claim at a future date involving the same collision and the at-fault driver. It is important to note that settling a claim prevents an individual from receiving additional compensation in the future. Because of this, it is crucial for those injured in a car wreck to consult with a knowledgeable attorney who could help them assess the extent of their losses and pursue a settlement amount that accounts for future losses.
To determine a settlement amount, an attorney could work with the injured party to add up all the economic and non-economic costs incurred as a result of the accident. These losses may include but are not limited to:
The severity of injuries a driver is facing can also influence a settlement. More serious injuries require more care, and therefore would be compensated accordingly.
The settlement amount offered on behalf of the other driver comes from the insurance company itself. The insurer often uses software to determine how much a case is worth. The parties usually will negotiate back and forth, and ultimately, the injured individual will decide whether or not to accept the settlement amount.
Most issues regarding settling a claim involve negotiations with insurance companies. Often, insurance adjusters do not have all of the relevant information needed to gauge the severity and impact of injuries sustained in a vehicle wreck. By providing medical records, doctor’s reports, medical bills, and other documentation, an attorney could ensure that adjusters have all the information to offer an appropriate settlement and prevent delays in the process.
In some cases, it may take more than a year to assess a party’s injuries and costs incurred. Reaching out to a Boulder auto wreck attorney as soon as possible could help shorten the timeframe of the settlement process. A lawyer could order records, reach out to witnesses, investigate the accident, and make sure all necessary documents are accounted for. Failing to consult with a knowledgeable attorney early on could result in the negotiation process being dragged out.
Taking an injury case to court can be a stressful experience that could be avoided altogether by settling a case. If you are considering settling your auto wreck case out of court, reach out to a knowledgeable lawyer to go over your options. A dedicated attorney could work with you to assess your losses, calculate a fair compensation amount, and deal with insurance companies on your behalf. To learn more about settling a car accident case in Boulder, call our office today.
