Car accidents can be extremely costly, both financially and emotionally. According to the World Health Organization, over 38,000 people in the US every year succumb to car accidents.
If you’ve been in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be wondering how to go about getting compensated for your damages. Recovering the entire compensation you are owed may be difficult, especially if you are going up against an insurance carrier alone. However, an expert vehicle accident lawyer can walk you through each step so you can concentrate on recovering and less on fighting the battle.
This guide will provide some information on what to expect when seeking a settlement for a car accident.
Q. How much money can I get in a settlement for my car accident injuries?
The amount of money you may receive in a settlement for your car accident injuries will depend on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the extent of your medical bills and other damages, and the insurance coverage of the at-fault driver. In some cases, you may be able to recover punitive damages as well. The average settlement for sideswipe accident causes and injuries is about approximately $41,783.00.
Q. How much will my lawyer get paid?
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you recover money in your settlement or through a jury verdict. You don’t owe the lawyer anything if you do not receive any money. Generally, the contingency fee is one-third of the settlement or verdict.
Q. Do I have to go to court?
Most car accident cases are resolved through negotiation and settlement between the parties involved without needing a trial. However, if the other driver does not have insurance or is unwilling to negotiate in good faith, a judge or jury may need to decide your case.
Q. How long does it take to get a settlement?
The duration for claim settlement depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the insurance company’s investigation, and the strength of your case. In some cases, settlements can be reached fairly quickly, while others may take months or even years.
Q. What if the other party was at fault?
If the other driver was at fault for your car accident, you might be able to recover damages from their insurance company. You must prove that the other driver was negligent in recovering damages. This can be done through eyewitness testimony, photos or videos of the accident, and other evidence.
Q. What if I got injured in a hit-and-run car accident?
Assume you were the victim of a hit-and-run car accident. You might still be able to recover damages from your own insurance company if you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. You will need to prove that the other driver was at fault and that you suffered damages due to the accident.
Q. Can I recover damages if I was partially at fault?
In some states, you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for your car accident. However, your damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault for an accident, you can only recover 80% of your damages from the other driver.
Q. What damages can I recover in a car accident settlement?
The damages you can recover in a car accident settlement include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. In some cases, you may also be able to recover punitive damages, which are designed to punish the at-fault driver for their negligence.
Q. How do I know if I have a good car accident case?
A good car accident case will typically involve injuries that result in significant medical bills or other damages. It will also involve evidence that the other driver was at fault for the accident. This can be proven through eyewitness testimony, accident photos or videos, and other evidence.
Q. What should I do if I’ve been in a car accident?
Seeking medical attention immediately is the preliminary step you should take, even if you don’t think you’ve been injured. Besides, you must exchange information with the other driver, including your name, insurance, and contact information. If eyewitnesses are involved, you should also get their names and contact information. You should reach out to a professional car accident lawyer to discuss your case and determine your next steps.
Conclusion
If you’ve been in a car accident, there are some things you need to do immediately. The first and most important is to seek medical attention if you need it. Then, once you’re feeling better, you may want to start thinking about getting a settlement for your car accident. This can be confusing, so these common questions about getting compensation for car accidents will get you an excellent start to the process.
