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Learn What Your Options Are if You Do Not Like Your Settlement Offer in a California Personal Injury Case

If you have been injured in a car accident and someone else was at fault for your accident, then you have likely submitted a claim to the insurance company. If they come back and offer a settlement that is not acceptable to you, what do you do? Are you out of options? Far from it. Keep reading to learn 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 Let a Stall in the Process Keep You from Getting a Fair Settlement

The truth is that these cases can take much longer than you might like. Unfortunately, this can lead victims to accept a settlement just to get the case over with. 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 halt.

For example, the defendant might not offer a reasonable demand, they might refuse to offer a settlement, they might want to set a precedent that they will settle quickly, or the plaintiff might want their day in court. Whatever reason exists for the stall in the process, do not use this as an excuse to take less than you deserve.

Sometimes It Might Make Sense to Accept a Lower Settlement

One of the reasons that it is good to work with a personal injury attorney is that we can offer an unbiased opinion about what a fair settlement looks like. The defendant’s insurance company might offer less than the actual damages, but it might be worth it to accept if you cannot prove all the elements of your claim or the injuries are relatively minor and do not warrant the expense and time of a trial.

Likewise, if the settlement offer is the maximum amount the defendant’s insurance policy offers, then there might not be a reason to continue. On the other hand, if the defendant is a large company, then it might be possible to secure additional compensation. These can be complex cases, and it is best to work with an attorney that can guide you through it.

Contact an Attorney for Advice

If you have been offered a settlement and you feel confident that it is much less than you are owed, then you should get a second opinion. You can contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation. Based on the facts of your case, we can help you determine what your best move might be.