If you have been wounded in an automobile accident and someone else was at fault for your accident, then you have undoubtedly submitted a claim to the insurance company. What should you do if they return and offer a settlement that you find unacceptable? Are you out of options? Far from it. Keep reading to understand what you can do, or just contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 directly for a free legal consultation.
Do not allow a process snag to prevent you from receiving a fair settlement
In actuality, these situations often take far longer than expected to resolve. Sadly, this may drive victims to accept a payment in order to end the lawsuit. The issue here is that there are many parties that have to agree to the settlement, and if any of them does not agree, then the process can grind to a standstill.
For instance, the defendant might not make a reasonable demand, might not be willing to deal, might want to establish a precedent that they will settle swiftly, or might wish to have the plaintiff appear in court. Whatever the cause, do not let it be an excuse to settle for less than you are entitled to.
Accepting a lower settlement could make sense occasionally
One benefit of working with a personal injury lawyer is that we can provide an objective assessment of what constitutes a fair compensation. If you cannot prove all the components of your claim or the injuries are very modest and do not justify the money and time of a trial, the defendant’s insurance company may pay less than the actual damages, but it might be worthwhile to accept.
Similarly, there might not be a cause to proceed if the settlement offer represents the maximum sum that the defendant’s insurance coverage will pay. On the other hand, it might be feasible to obtain further compensation if the defendant is a major corporation. It is advisable to work with a lawyer who can help you navigate these difficult cases because they can be.
Consult a lawyer for guidance
You should seek a second opinion if you have been offered a settlement and believe that it is much less than what you are owed. You can contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation. We can assist you in deciding what your best course of action might be based on the specifics of your situation.
