Call Us atAfter a traumatic car accident, it is natural to stick up for your rights by way of demanding compensation through a lawsuit. While you have the right to take a claim like this to court, if necessary, most car accident cases can end with you and the other party involved or their insurer settling out of court.
Anchorage car accident settlements may be common but not easy to reach. There is not much you can do to strengthen your chances of getting the compensation you need. No matter how your wreck happened or what specific damages you need to recover for, a knowledgeable car accident attorney could help protect your rights and best interests throughout the settlement process.
When Is the Right Time to Settle a Car Crash Case?
When two or more people get into a wreck in Alaska, their insurance representatives usually contact those who are not policyholders within a few days of the incident. During this initial phone call or visit, the adjuster will ask about what happened and what injuries and losses their prospective claimant suffered. They may even offer a settlement right after the interview or soon after it.
Many people are tempted to accept an offer of money right away. However, these initial settlement offers rarely account for the full value of damages that a serious car crash can cause, especially if it resulted in a catastrophic injury like paralysis. Therefore, it is best to consult a lawyer in Anchorage before signing off on any settlement offer for an auto crash. An attorney could also help establish the full scope of long-term damages, which should be done before any agreement occurs—otherwise, this ends any chance of further negotiation.
Negotiating Effectively for a Fair Settlement Offer
On that note, a fair settlement offer after a vehicle crash in Anchorage should cover both economic and non-economic consequences of the wreck, including but not restricted to:
- Lost overall enjoyment and quality of life
- Emotional anguish and psychological distress
- Physical pain and suffering in performing daily activities
- Lost work income, benefits, and long-term earning capacity
- Personal property damage, including car repair/replacement costs as well as other out-of-pocket expenses—for example, the costs of replacing a damaged smartphone
- All medical expenses for crash-related injuries, including expected future costs of things like physical therapy, pain medications, assistive equipment, and in-home assistance
That said, the “caps” state law places on recovery for non-economic damages in personal injury claims may come into play during settlement negotiations. Insurance companies have no reason to offer money that they know a court would never order to pay if the case progressed to a civil trial. A seasoned lawyer could help a claimant navigate this complicated factor and others throughout the process.
Learn More About Car Crash Settlements from an Anchorage Attorney
Just because car accident claims usually end with settlements does not mean any insurance company will offer you every bit of money you deserve without a fight. Insurers often try to convince injured people to accept the lowest possible settlement offer, and they are all too happy to heap extra pressure on people who try to negotiate without help from qualified legal counsel.
Getting a skilled lawyer on your side could help you get a positive case result and help you effectively pursue the Anchorage car accident settlement you deserve. Call today to learn more.
