Victims of car accidents can obtain compensation in several ways. They can file a claim with the other driver’s insurance company for their damages, or the insurance company may offer them a settlement.
Car accident settlements are offered to victims to end further legal proceedings. For both parties to agree with a settlement, there must be an exchange. In exchange for the right to avoid future legal action, victims receive compensation for their damages.
As a car accident victim, you want to ensure that you receive fair compensation from your settlement. Do not accept any settlement offers without a car accident attorney from the Shelly Leeke Law Firm present.
What Is a Car Accident Settlement?
Car accident settlements are resolutions from car accidents that benefit all parties involved.Victims of car accidents can receive compensation for their damages at a faster rate than from a personal injury claim.
Insurance agents can put the matter at rest once the victim accepts and signs the offer.The other driver does not have to worry about being held liable in the future for damages related to the car accident.
What Influences Insurance Agents to Offer Settlements to Car Accident Victims?
Insurance agents will offer settlements to victims for several reasons. One of the main reasons is that it would be in everyone’s best interest to provide a settlement. Insurance agents may give a higher settlement amount if the other driver’s actions were so negligent that liability could easily be proven.
Insurance agents assume that offering compensation to the victim will be better in the long run than taking a chance with a lawsuit. Talk to a car accident lawyer in South Carolina as soon as possible after suffering an injury in a crash.
What Factors Influence the Compensation from a Car Accident Settlement?
Because every car accident is unique, there is no set amount of compensation that each victim might receive. The amount of compensation you could secure is based on several factors, including:
- The nature of the accident
- The severity of your injuries
- The likelihood of recovery from your injuries
- The damages you want compensation for
The severity of your injuries is very important when calculating your settlement offer. This affects other factors related to your compensation, such as the likelihood of recovery and the bills you need to pay. If your injuries are long-term or permanent, you want enough compensation to cover your medical costs for the duration of your life.
What Is the Average Settlement for a South Carolina Car Accident?
While each car accident claim is different, the average settlement amount ranges from $10,000 to $41,000,000. This depends on the type of injuries you sustain from your accident. If your injuries are minor or temporary, the insurance agents may attempt to offer you a low amount of compensation.
You may be entitled to larger compensation if your injuries are more catastrophic. The more serious your injuries, the greater the compensation should be offered.
Why Should You Refuse the First Settlement Offer by the Insurance Agents?
While you want reimbursement as soon as possible, you do not want to accept the first settlement offer by the insurance companies. Insurance companies know the actual settlement offer you deserve but will attempt to lowball you at every step of the settlement process.
Insurance agents know how desperate victims are to receive compensation, which is why they will throw out the first offer that sounds fair. They may offer you a settlement amount that will not cover the costs of your damages for one year.
How Is a Car Accident Settlement Reached?
Fortunately, you do not have to accept the first offer that insurance agents offer you. You can express your demands and your desired compensation in a demand letter. A demand letter is a professional document where you express the nature of your accident, the amount of compensation you expect, and why you expect this compensation.
Your demand letter is where you will explain the details of your accident and persuade the insurance agents to provide the compensation that you deserve. If the insurance agents disagree with your demands, you can mediate until a negotiation is reached.
How Can a Car Accident Lawyer in Greenville, SC, Help You?
Car accident attorneys are skilled in negotiation. They are also well-versed in dealing with the manipulative tactics of insurance agents. At Shelly Leeke Law Firm, our car accident lawyers know how to maximize your compensation.
We can calculate your damages and provide an estimate of what the insurance company should offer you. This can give you more confidence while negotiating your compensation.
How Are Car Accident Settlements Calculated?
Car accident lawyers and insurance agents use the same methods to calculate damages from a car accident. These damages include:
- Medical bills
- Lost time from work
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
Damages like pain and suffering can be calculated with a particular method used by both parties. However, insurance agents will attempt to reduce the compensation you can receive from pain and suffering, whereas car accident lawyers will provide an accurate estimate of your injuries.
Car accident settlements are usually not easy to settle. That is why you need to speak with an attorney about your case.
Call the Shelly Leeke Law Firm to Help with a Car Accident Settlement
For over a decade, car accident attorneys at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm have helped victims receive the fair compensation they deserve from their settlements. You may contemplate when to involve a car accident lawyer in your settlement. Our car accident lawyers can assist your case from beginning to end.
We can calculate your damages, draft a demand letter, and negotiate for the best compensation on your behalf. During your initial consultation, we can honestly assess the claim and explore the possible outcomes for you. To speak with a car accident attorney in Greenville, SC, contact us online for a free case evaluation.
