Getting involved in a car accident can leave you with a lot to deal with, and so you need the help of good car accident attorneys. They should guide you on the steps to take so that you understand what’s happening throughout the process as well as what you need to do. They can explain details such as what goes into a private settlement agreement for car accident and let you know what your chances are, making it easier for you to plan for the future. Remember that a car accident private settlement agreement will typically differ from one case to the next depending on some specifics, so you should go through the process with a knowledgeable expert.
You can also do your own research to find more information that may help you plan for a better outcome. Search for things like “how much money can you get in a car accident?” or even “what goes into a no injury car accident compensation?” From the results, you may not get actual responses, but you’ll get a great idea of what you can expect. Talk to your lawyers and ask them any questions that you may have about the process so that you can be sure you’re working with facts.
Car accidents often leave drivers with a lot of unanswered questions, and one of the most confusing aspects of auto accident settlements is how insurance companies decide what amount of reimbursement money a driver in an accident deserves. One of the first steps after a car accident anyone must take is to contact their insurance company and file a claim for any damage or injuries that were sustained due to the crash. Accident and injury lawyers might also be called on for help in auto accident settlements, but ultimately it is the insurance company that decides the amount of a reimbursement. While there is no specific formula used to come up with this number, a few general factors are usually taken into account.
Damage Only
A person is very fortunate to avoid personal injuries from a car crash, whether it be a collision between two vehicles or a car and bike accident. While the driver may have escaped without any injuries, their car probably wasn’t so lucky. In these instances, insurance companies assess the type and severity of the damages in comparison with the overall value of the car. If only the bumper was damaged, the insurance company will only reimburse the driver the reasonable amount of a bumper repair. If the value of the car is worth less than the repair costs, however, the insurance company will reimburse the driver for the loss of the vehicle.
Personal Injuries
In accidents where the driver does sustain injuries, the injury settlement is handled separately from the settlement for the damage to the vehicle. Personal injury settlements are based on the cost of medical procedures and treatments that are required as a direct result of the accident. Medical bills, wage losses and the type of injury that occurred are all documented in a medical report. The insurance company will use this report to determine the amount of personal injury reimbursements. People who do not believe that they are being fairly compensated often end up filing personal injury lawsuits.
Pain and Suffering
A settlement for pain and suffering is yet another category that insurance companies handle after a car accident. Pain and suffering describes any future discomfort that is a direct result of the accident. In order to file for a pain and suffering reimbursement, a person must have either completed their medical treatment from the accident or must be declared permanent and stationary. A person that is permanent and stationary no longer benefits from medical treatment for their injury, as declared by a medical professional. This type of settlement can also cover the costs of future medical treatments or procedures that will be necessary as a result of the car accident.
Getting in a car accident is a scary experience, and having to deal with the insurance company afterwards can add to the stress. Knowing how these companies determine auto accident settlements, however, can help shed some light on the situation and make it easier to deal with. To see more, read this.
