An auto accident can leave you with life-altering injuries. Your post-accident life can be characterized by loss of independence, unemployment and financial hardship. If the accident that resulted in your injuries is attributable to someone else’s negligence, then you need to file a personal injury lawsuit against the liable party.
However, it is not uncommon for the defendant’s insurance to offer a settlement so you can get the matter over with. During these difficult times, it may be tempting to take the check and move on. But what if you are getting a raw deal?
Here are two questions you need to ask before accepting a settlement offer from the insurance company.
Will the settlement pay for future medical needs?
Once you accept a settlement, you will not be able to pursue any further compensation. In other words, your case will be closed as far as the insurance company is concerned. But what if your injuries impact your life long after the case is closed? Well, in this case, you will have to foot the bill on your own.
Most often, insurance companies do not offer compensation for future damages; and if they do, the compensation amount is usually too insignificant to cater to your medical needs. As a rule, never accept a settlement before establishing the full extent of your injuries and what it will cost you to treat them.
Will the offer pay for non-economic damages too?
The value of pain, suffering as well as other non-economic damages tend to be extremely subjective. As such, they need to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Offering nothing or next-to-nothing for your considerable emotional distress, pain and suffering after an injury is unfair.
Obviously, no amount of compensation can reverse your losses. However, knowing what you are entitled to following a car accident that can help you fight for a fair compensation for your damages.
