If you’ve been in a car accident and the other driver was at fault their insurance company will likely offer you a settlement. While it may be tempting to take the money and run you should always consult with an attorney before deciding whether or not to accept a settlement. There are a few reasons why you might want to refuse a settlement offer even if it seems like a lot of money.
The first reason to refuse a settlement offer is if you think you can get more money. The insurance company will usually offer you less than what your case is actually worth. They know that most people are not familiar with the law and will take the first offer they receive. If you have a good attorney they will be able to negotiate with the insurance company to get you a better settlement.
The second reason to refuse a settlement is if you have been injured and you are not sure of the extent of your injuries. Often times people do not realize the full extent of their injuries until weeks or even months after the accident. By accepting a settlement you could be agreeing to an amount that does not fully cover your medical expenses. It is important to wait until you have a good idea of the extent of your injuries before you agree to any settlement.
The third reason to refuse a settlement offer is if the insurance company is trying to get you to sign a release of liability. This means that you would be giving up your right to sue the other driver for any damages that you have incurred. If you sign a release of liability you will not be able to get any more money from the other driver no matter how much your injuries end up costing you.
It is important to remember that you do not have to accept the first settlement offer you receive. If you are not happy with the offer you can negotiate with the insurance company or take them to court. It is always a good idea to consult with an attorney before making any decisions about your case.
What is the statute of limitations on filing a car insurance claim in the state of California?
The statute of limitations is two years.
How long do you have to file a car insurance claim after an accident?
You have to file a claim within 24 hours.
My car was totaled in an accident.
How do I know if the insurance company’s settlement offer is fair?
To ensure that the insurance company’s settlement offer is fair you can compare it to the car’s actual cash value.
I was in a car accident that wasn’t my fault.
Do I still have to pay my deductible?
If you were not at fault for the accident then you should not have to pay your deductible.
The at-fault driver’s insurance should cover your damages.
The other driver’s insurance company is offering to pay for the damage to my car.
Do I have to accept their offer?
No you are not required to accept the other driver’s insurance company’s offer.
You can negotiate for a higher settlement amount.
I was in a car accident and the other driver was cited.
Does that mean their insurance will definitely pay for my damages?
No the other driver being cited does not guarantee that their insurance will pay for your damages.
You will need to file a claim with their insurance company.
The other driver’s insurance company is denying my claim.
What can I do?
If the other driver’s insurance company denies your claim you can hire an attorney to help you with the appeals process.
I was in a car accident and I want to file a personal injury claim.
How do I know how much my claim is worth?
The value of your personal injury claim will depend on the severity of your injuries the cost of your medical treatment and the amount of lost wages.
I was in a car accident and I’m now dealing with a lot of pain.
What types of damages can I recover in a personal injury claim?
You can recover damages for your medical expenses pain and suffering and lost wages.
How do I know if I have a valid personal injury claim?
You will need to speak with an attorney to determine if you have a valid personal injury claim.
I was in a car accident and the other driver was at fault.
Do I still have to pay my deductible?
No you should not have to pay your deductible if the other driver was at fault.
The at-fault driver’s insurance should cover your damages.
I was in a car accident that was partially my fault.
Can I still file a claim with the other driver’s insurance company?
Yes you can still file a claim with the other driver’s insurance company but your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
The other driver’s insurance company is asking for my medical records.
Do I have to provide them?
Yes if you want to pursue a claim with the other driver’s insurance company you will need to provide them with your medical records.
I was in a car accident and I’m not sure if I’m injured.
Should I see a doctor?
Yes it’s always a good idea to see a doctor after a car accident even if you’re not sure if you’re injured.
Some injuries such as whiplash may not be immediately apparent.
I was in a car accident and I’m now dealing with a lot of pain.
What can I do to get relief?
You can take over-the-counter pain medication see a doctor or chiropractor or get massage therapy.
