Car accidents can disrupt things quite a bit. You may just want to get things back to normal again and who could blame you? However, in your haste to settle the case, be careful. You cannot go back and reopen a personal injury case once you have settled it, so take your time in evaluating your offer. Read on for some tips. 

Let the Offers Begin

You may get an offer within days of your accident. You are not alone if you are caught by surprise at the offer. Making early offers is a customary practice of insurers. If you are not at fault for the accident, the other driver's insurer will sometimes make contact with you and make you an offer. This offer is often far less than you deserve. However, at this point in the process, many victims don't know what they should be offered. The best thing you can do is to not speak to the other driver's insurer. There is a better way to do things.

Get an Idea of the Damages

Once you recover from your injuries, you can get a better idea of what you are owed. That way, you can deal with offers from an educated viewpoint. While you should speak to a personal injury lawyer to really understand the scope of your compensation, consider these common personal injury auto accident damage categories:

  • Medical expenses for all treatments, hospitalizations, medication, surgery, and more.
  • Lost wages covering all time you have missed from work.
  • Pain and suffering based on the severity of your accident injuries.
  • Damaged or totaled vehicle—a total loss should result in a check for the current value of the vehicle.
  • Rental car expenses, in some cases.

Medical Expenses That Continue

While a quick settlement is a good thing, you don't want to miss out on future medical care. Your personal injury lawyer will advise you to reach the point of maximum medical improvement (MMI) before the settlement negotiations begin. MMI means that your medical situation has stabilized enough to determine what your future needs may be. That way, this form of damage can be added to your settlement demand.

Let an Expert Take Over

Personal injury lawyers are used to dealing with other lawyers and understand all about damages. They know what other cases like your case paid and they know what needs to be done to prove your damages. Put your case in the hands of an expert so that you can focus on your recovery and let your lawyer deal with the other insurer.

Contact a local auto accident lawyer to learn more. 

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