Car Accident Injury Settlement
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The car accident injury settlement process begins almost immediately following the incident. Statistics indicate that about 95 percent of the injury cases are settled before going to court. This is in large part because insurance companies want to settle as quickly as possible because in all probability out-of-court settlements are lower than jury awards. Insurance companies are for profit organizations. So, it can be argued that they are looking after their own bottom line. Regardless of claims of benevolence, healthy profits and assets are the insurance company's main concern. Therefore, the best interest of the victim is secondary. With that said, a car accident victim may be wise to consult an attorney before having any discussions with an insurance claim adjuster. Settlements are only offered when a person has been injured in a vehicle accident. Insurance claim adjusters may attempt to contact a victim soon after the accident. A person may still be confused and upset about the recent traumatic events and an offer by the insurance company may sound more than reasonable. But, in reality the offer may be far less than what the victim is entitled to receive. Accident claims can be complicated. If the case was to go to court, a jury would consider several factors before determining damage awards. Don't be rushed into a settlement.
According to some legal websites that specialize in car accident injury settlement cases, a victim may be asked to sign off his or her medical claims as part of the insurance agreement. Attorneys caution against doing this before having the case reviewed by a legal expert. Once the victim signs the medical claims waiver, he or she will never be able to pursue that claim again. So, even if an injury doesn't seem serious at first, don't sign a claims waiver. The severity of some injuries may not be known until sometime later. All car accident injury settlement cases will have a statute of limitations. These will vary from state to state and maybe even from legal jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Claims adjusters are savvy and know the law. If a quick and satisfactory settlement can't be reached, and a victim doesn't know their legal rights, the insurance company can possibly drag the case out until the statute of limitations expires. And, a legal case must be filed before the statute of limitations is up.
An online search turned up plenty of useful information about the car accident injury settlement process. Perhaps the most important piece of information that can be learned is that injury victims should not attempt to deal with insurance companies and the legal system alone. Unfortunately, the legal system can be intimidating, but so can insurance claim adjusters. Also, keep in mind, car accident injury settlement cases are about money. Some Christians may look upon this as greed. However, that is not always the case. Injury victims may have endured great pain and suffering. Debt may have accrued. An injury victim may have lost wages or even lost the capability of ever earning wages again. If that is the case, then the victim's family and dependents may be suffering as well. Basically, the only way to compensate for the loss is with money. But, Christians must keep the proper perspective and attitude. Physical healing of the body may take weeks, months, or years. In some cases, a person may never completely heal from their physical injuries.
Very often the victim in a car accident injury settlement case will be emotionally hurt as well. As a result, he or she may want to lash out at the cause of their pain and suffering. Obviously, monetary compensation will help pay medical and therapy expenses. But, true healing will come only through God and finding peace in Christ. "But now ye must put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth...And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the father by him." (Colossians 3: 8, 15-17)
Collect all medical evidence and document the case thoroughly. Beware of requests to approve medical record access. According to several online legal sites, insurance companies are only entitled to files specific to the injury. A person who approves a medical record access request may be unwittingly allowing access to their complete medical record. Victims, who are unsure, confused, or feel rushed into a settlement should stop talking to the claims adjuster immediately and seek legal advice. Insurance companies are more likely to respond to a demand letter for settlement written by an attorney. Several factors can determine the amount of a car accident injury settlement. The first consideration is the cost to treat and heal the victim, which can be affected by the amount of time it takes to heal completely. The second consideration is past and future pain and suffering. This includes mental anguish as well. Any physical impairment, disability, or disfigurement is also taken into consideration. Also, damaged property may be compensated for as part of the agreement. Each case will be different. Don't consider any detail to be petty or insignificant. For example, one legal website warns victims that cashing a check written for medical bills could ultimately affect the outcome of the car accident injury settlement. Apparently, cashing an insurance check may signify acceptance of terms the victim is unaware of. It's best to consult an attorney.
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