Call Us atBothell car accident settlements are the most common outcome of a claim or lawsuit. Almost all car accident cases are either settled with the insurance company before the injured person needs to file a lawsuit or before going to court after the injured person has filed a lawsuit. If you have been injured in a Bothell car accident, a dedicated car accident attorney could help you get the best settlement available. Hiring a lawyer can make the process less stressful and allow you to focus on recovering from your injuries.
What Is a Car Accident Settlement?
Most car accident cases in Bothell settle before going to trial when the responsible driver’s insurance company offers an amount of money that the injured person accepts. Usually, the injured person will start by filing a claim with the other driver’s insurance company. There is no specific deadline for filing an insurance claim, but the injured person should do it as soon as possible. The injured person should also report the accident to their own insurer. Getting a settlement often requires some negotiation because the insurance company will want to pay out as little as it reasonably can, and the injured person will want as much as they can get. To ensure they are getting a fair settlement, the injured person needs to have a realistic idea of their total costs, including medical bills, vehicle repairs, and other expenses.
If the injured person and the insurance company cannot come to an agreement, the injured person can choose to file a lawsuit. Washington RCW 4.16.080 gives people three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Even after suing, there is a good chance the case will settle before going to court. The insurance company and the injured person’s lawyer usually continue to negotiate after filing the lawsuit. Suing shows how serious the injured person is about getting the compensation they are asking for, which can get the insurance company to offer more.
What Are the Benefits and Disadvantages of Settling After a Car Accident?
There are several reasons a settlement is better for the injured person. The earlier in the process the two parties settle, the sooner the injured person will get their compensation. Settling a Bothell car accident case is generally both less stressful and less expensive than going to court because legal fees are lower and the process is simpler. The downside is the possibility of getting more money awarded at trial than in a settlement. The injured person might also want the sense of justice and accountability that taking the responsible driver to court can provide. An attorney can help the injured person decide whether it is worth taking their case to trial.
Discuss Your Bothell Car Accident Settlement Options With a Lawyer Now
Bothell car accident settlements are usually the simplest way to get compensation for your medical bills and other financial losses. Even if you will not be filing a lawsuit, hiring an attorney is a good idea. Your lawyer can help you determine how much compensation is reasonable to ask for and negotiate with the other driver’s insurance company to ensure that you get the best settlement possible. Libbey Law will not bill you until after you have received your settlement. Contact us to review your car accident case now.
