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Why You Might Not Need To Sue After A Car Accident

by Gene Vasquez

If a car accident left you severely injured and it was another person's fault, you can seek compensation from the responsible party for your injuries and damages. There are several different ways to handle an event like this, and the two main options are settling with the insurance company and filing a lawsuit. Lawsuits can be time-consuming and overwhelming, which is why a car accident attorney might suggest trying to settle before you file the paperwork for a lawsuit. Here are a few things to know about this.

Why Settling Can Be A Better Option

The first step in handling a car accident claim is trying to settle the claim with the responsible party's insurance company. If this is possible, you will be able to avoid a lawsuit, which can be beneficial in several ways. First of all, a lawsuit can take a long time. Lawsuits are handled through the court system, and personal injury cases do not settle quickly. Secondly, handling a case through a lawsuit can cost more money, simply because it takes more time.

You should also realize that if you sue the other party, you may need to attend court hearings, and you may even have to testify in court. This can be intimidating and overwhelming for many people. Finally, if you can settle your case with the insurance company instead of filing a lawsuit, you are likely to receive your compensation a lot faster.

Why Settling Is Not Always An Option

While settling your claim might be better than filing a lawsuit, there are several reasons why settling is not always an option. The first and most common reason involves problems with reaching an agreement. When you initially try to settle with the insurance company, the lawyer you hire will create a letter of demand. This letter will state the basics of the case along with a breakdown of all the compensation you are seeking. This may include compensation for medical bills, pain and trauma, and loss of income or future earnings.

If the insurance company does not agree with the amount you are asking for, they may fight your claim. If you are unable to reach an agreement you can both accept, settling the case outside of court will probably not be an option.

Another reason you may have trouble settling with the insurance company is if the other party did not have insurance or did not have a sufficient amount of insurance. In this case, it may be very hard to get any money out of the person or the insurance company for your injuries and damages.

What You Should Do

After a car accident occurs, you have a limited amount of time to decide how to proceed. This time frame is called the statute of limitations, and it varies from state to state. If you are not sure what you should do or how to go about handling the problem, your first step should be to talk to a car accident attorney.

When you meet with the attorney, you can explain the case and offer the evidence you have. You can also explain the severity of your injuries and damages, and you can ask questions. Once the attorney hears everything you have to say, he or she will be able to offer you legal advice about how to handle the situation.  

If you are not sure what to do about your situation, contact an attorney like Carl L. Britt, Jr. today. This is the best way to get the advice and information you need to make a good decision about how to proceed with your car accident case. 

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