Common Factors That Can Affect Your Car Accident Settlement
Getting a fair settlement can be essential to your recovery from a Georgia car accident, especially if you were seriously injured. Most victims face a flood of medical expenses accompanied by a drop in their income due to lost wages, among other losses. In many cases, the best way to get the compensation you need is by filing an insurance claim against the at-fault party. But securing a fair car accident settlement isn’t as simple as it may sound.
Many factors can influence the amount you receive in a car accident claim, and it’s important to do everything possible to maximize the value of your financial recovery. Keep reading to learn more about what can impact your settlement from the Canton car accident lawyers at Geiger Legal Group, LLC.
Most Common Factors That Can Affect Your Car Accident Settlement
Some of the major factors that influence a car accident settlement include:
- The extent of your injuries – The greater your injuries in a car accident, the more you may be able to claim in compensation. If you were seriously hurt, you’ll have higher medical expenses and more losses than someone who’s been in a minor fender bender. That increases the value of your claim.
- Who’s responsible for your injuries – Personal injury claims are based on the concept of negligence, which means that someone failed to use reasonable care to avoid harming you. However, not all crashes are created equal. There may be multiple parties who are liable for a collision, including you. If you are found to be partially liable for an accident, Georgia law allows you to receive compensation for your injuries as long as you are not 50 percent or more responsible for the wreck. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
- Whether you sought prompt medical treatment – If you put off seeing a doctor after a car accident, the insurance company may argue that your injuries weren’t serious or that you didn’t take steps to protect your health. Regardless of your intent, failing to seek immediate medical treatment gives insurance companies an easy excuse to deny or reduce the value of your claim.
- What you say after a crash – Avoid saying “I’m sorry” or anything else that can be taken as an admission of fault. You’ll also want to avoid minimizing your injuries by making comments like “I’m OK.” You won’t know if you’re injured until you see a doctor. In addition, some serious injuries have a delayed onset, meaning they aren’t discovered until later.
What to Do if the Insurance Company Offers You an Unfair Settlement
You should never sign off on a car accident settlement without talking to an attorney first. If you accept the settlement, chances are you will be unable to recover any additional compensation, even if your medical costs prove much higher than what you initially thought. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer can help you account for future medical expenses and other potential costs before settling. That way, you’ll be financially prepared no matter what the future holds.
How Our Georgia Car Accident Attorneys Can Help
Maximizing your compensation should always be the goal when pursuing a car accident settlement. At Geiger Legal Group, LLC, we’ll push for the full and fair amount you deserve by investigating your case, identifying the liable parties, and negotiating firmly for the results you deserve.
Ready to get started? Call or contact us today for a free initial consultation with a proven car accident attorney.
