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Things To Consider Before A Agreeing To An Auto Accident Settlement With An Insurance Company

When you're injured in an auto accident that was not your fault, you are entitled to a financial settlement from the other diver's insurance company. While filing a claim with the other driver's insurance company sounds simple enough, it is important to note that insurance companies are known for wanting to pay out the smallest settlement possible. It is never in your best interest to blindly accept the insurance company's first settlement offer. If you're dealing with an auto accident settlement, consider the following things before accepting a settlement:

Lawyer Consultation

It is highly recommended that people retain an attorney after they are injured in an auto accident. When you have an attorney, his or her main goal is to protect your interests. Even if you choose not to retain a personal injury attorney to represent you through the whole process, you should at least consult an attorney before agreeing to a settlement with an insurance company. During a consultation, an attorney will be able to review the police report, assess your injuries and medical records, and determine what your case is worth. An attorney can then tell you if the settlement being offered is fair or too low.

Payment of Medical Bills

Insurance companies are always trying to cut costs when it comes to paying out a settlement, and these cost-cutting measures can extend to payment of medical bills. Never accept a settlement that does not cover all of the medical bills related to the treatment of your injuries caused by the auto accident. Insurance companies may say that some of the treatment was not necessary or that a doctor overcharged-- do not accept this rhetoric, and do not think that you should have to pay any money out of your own pocket for medical care when your injuries were not your fault.

Understanding All of Your Options

Many people mistakenly believe that their only option after being injured in a car accident that was not their fault is coming to a settlement with the other driver's insurance company. This is actually not true-- there is also arbitration, mediation, a bench trial, or a jury trial. Insurance companies push a settlement to avoid going to court, but if an insurance company is not treating you fairly it is your right to pursue other legal avenues in order to get the settlement that you deserve. Always make sure you are familiar with all of your options before agreeing to a settlement with an insurance company.  

Contact a legal firm, like Hoffman Richard D Law Offices of, for more help.


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