Most people who are hurt in a car or truck accident simply want to have the financial resources that they need to focus on their recovery and get back to as normal of a life as possible as quickly as they can. That’s really not too much to ask, especially when a negligent driver is responsible for the injuries that were suffered in an accident. If you’re in this situation, the chances are good that you’re going to be offered a settlement that appears to put you on track for the outcome you desire.
But before you sign off on one of these agreements, you need to carefully scrutinize it to make sure that you’re getting the best resolution possible. Here’s what you need to consider:
- The extent of your damages: In order to tell if a settlement offer is appropriate, you have to be able to compare it to the full extent of your damages. Therefore, you’ll want to carefully calculate you economic losses, such as lost wages and medical expenses, as well as consider how your injuries have affected your life and therefore caused noneconomic damages. Don’t forget to consider damages that you haven’t yet incurred but likely will in the future.
- The evidence: This seems obvious, but before accepting a settlement offer you need to know the strength of your case. This is because with a strong case you might be able to win at trial, which could lead to a larger recovery. Compelling evidence can also give you leverage during negotiations, which could also lead to a larger recovery. A weak case, on the other hand, warrants further consideration of an offered settlement.
- Comparative negligence: You also can’t overlook the role of comparative negligence. With comparative negligence, your recovery could be reduced by the percentage of fault allocated to you. Therefore, you’ll want to anticipate the defense’s arguments and assess your ability to effectively counter them.
Do you need help building your personal injury claim?
Successfully handling a personal injury claim requires thoroughness, preparation, and a firm understanding of the law. If you think that you could benefit from assistance in that regard, then it’s important that you consider discussing the facts of your case with an attorney who is well versed in this area of the law.