If you have been in an auto accident in Augusta, Georgia, there are many things you will have to consider while dealing with your claim. Your car accident settlement will be determined by many things, including:
- Insurance coverage
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages from work
- Any medical bills
Georgia’s Statute of Limitations states that you have two years from the date of your auto accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, while you have four years to file a claim for property damage. If you have been injured in a car accident, you should seek medical treatment immediately to ensure that there is a record of your injuries and any incurring medical expenses. After you have received medical treatment, you should contact an attorney at Ted A. Greve & Associates to review your case and get you a car accident settlement that you deserve. Your attorney will go over the evidence and investigate the auto accident. They will also review your medical records. Your lawyer will then review how much compensation you are entitled to and send this to the other party’s insurance company, at which point negotiations will likely begin to avoid going to trial.
If you are unable to reach an agreement during the negotiation process, your attorney will file a lawsuit. At this point, both lawyers will once more try to negotiate before going back to court. If your car settlement does go to court, you should expect it to be a very long process, which is why most people try to settle out of a trial.
What is Wrong with Accepting a Quick Auto Accident Settlement?
Quick settlements are just that — quick. If you are in a rush and need compensation quickly after your car accident, it is likely that you will be offered a settlement by the other driver’s insurance company. Most car accident lawyers would recommend that you do not accept the initial settlement right away. The reason for this is because when insurance companies know that you are in a rush to get your money, they know that you will settle for much less.
If you have large expenses to claim after your Augusta, Georgia car wreck, quick settlements are usually not the route you should take — or even consider. It is usually best that you wait out the process to get everything you are entitled. The reason for this is because your circumstances can change rather quickly.
For example, if you are diagnosed after your car accident, you have a pretty good idea of what your treatment will cost. But what happens when your injury causes unexpected complications? Or what if you have to miss a lot of time at work while you recover? These things may not be at the forefront of your mind when you are initially offered a car accident settlement. You may be tempted to put all of this behind you and accept the money you need now, but this could greatly impact your finances in the future. This is especially true since, once you accept the initial settlement, it can be near impossible to get additional money from the insurance company.
Talk to an experienced attorney at Ted A. Greve & Associates today to go over your options and see if a quick settlement is really the right option for you. Car accident settlements can take quite a long time to conclude (sometimes even years), which is what makes quick settlements a good option for people who are in a rush to get their money — but it comes at a cost.
Although it is possible (albeit rare) to get the full value of your car settlement with a quick settlement, it is best to consider your options with a lawyer who can review your claim. Consult with an attorney if you are offered a quick settlement so they can help you decide what the best option is for you.
Contact an Augusta Car Accident Lawyer Today About Your Settlement
Some insurance companies use different tactics to persuade car accident victims to accept a smaller settlement. If you have been in a car accident in Augusta, GA and are seeking a car accident settlement, the Augusta car accident lawyers at Ted A. Greve & Associates can help you get the compensation you deserve. If you have been offered a quick settlement, it is even more important to speak to a lawyer to ensure that you are getting a fair deal. More often than not, quicks settlements are not worth it. Speak with a lawyer today to review the offer before making any big decisions to ensure you are getting the car accident settlement you deserve.