Here are a few important things to understand about the compensation you may be entitled to after a car accident.
If you’ve been the victim of a car accident, you may have many questions running through your mind. Who is going to cover the costs of my medical bills and lost wages? Should I hire a lawyer? And, how much money will I receive from the settlement?
Here are a few important things to understand about the compensation you may be entitled to after a car accident.
To Settle or Go to Trial?
Many people throw the word “settlement” around when it comes to car accident cases. However, few truly understand how car accident claims are settled.
A car accident settlement is an agreement to resolve a legal claim for personal injuries or damages after a car accident. When a settlement is reached, the plaintiff agrees not to sue or drop any charges.
Most car accident claims are resolved through a settlement as going to court takes a lot of time and effort without guaranteeing that the plaintiff will get the amount he is hoping for.
Don’t expect to reach a settlement with the at-fault driver’s insurance company quickly. These negotiations can also take some time as the insurance company will generally push back and look for any opportunity to lower the claim.
How Much Compensation Am I Entitled To After a Car Accident?
There isn’t a simple answer to this question. Each car accident is unique, and the nature and extent of the injuries can differ greatly. However, the insurance company will take certain factors into account when negotiating.
- The medical expenses related to the injuries;
- Past and future lost wages that occur because of the accident;
- Non-medical expenses that were caused by the accident;
- Pain and suffering, meaning the toll the accident took on the victim’s life and how much their quality of life was affected;
- Punitive damages to punish the behavior that caused the accident.
The money you will get largely depends on the extent and severity of your injuries. Generally, the more severe your injuries are, the higher the compensation. An experienced St. Louis car accident attorney can correctly estimate your present and future expenses and fight for a fair settlement.
Other Factors That Can Influence Your Car Accident Settlement
Your costs aren’t the only factor that can influence the value of your settlement. The number of parties involved in the accident, for example, can also affect how much money you will get. If more than one party is found liable for causing the crash, then your settlement will probably be higher. The amount of insurance the at-fault driver carries will also impact the amount of money you will get.
St. Louis Car Accident Lawyers
An experienced St. Louis auto accident lawyer can help ensure your legal rights are protected after a car accident and that you receive the full amount of compensation you are entitled to. If you have been involved in an accident, give us a call 24/7 to benefit from our 20+ years of experience protecting the rights of car accident victims in and around St. Louis, Missouri.