Articles Posted in Insurance Settlements

auto-accident-injury-settlements-300x200You have been harmed by someone else’s negligence, and the confusion you feel about how best to proceed may have stopped you in your tracks. You probably recognize that you will need to file an accident claim with the at-fault party’s provider – and that settling this claim is the name of the game – but everything beyond this may be a blur. While the goal is to settle your personal injury claim for an amount that covers the full range of your losses, accepting the first settlement offer that comes your way is highly unlikely to be the answer. Before accepting a settlement offer, it’s always in your best interest to consult with an experienced Atlanta personal injury attorney who is well versed with the ins and outs of your claim. 

Your Overall Losses

Before accepting a settlement offer from the insurance company that is handling your claim, it’s critical that you recognize the full extent of your overall losses (what the law calls damages). Until these are well represented, you can’t be sure that the settlement you accept is adequate to addressing each category of loss in its entirety. 

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If someone else’s negligence causes you to be injured in an accident, such as a traffic accident, a slip and fall accident, or any other kind of dangerous accident, you’ll look to the at-fault party’s insurance provider to compensate you for the losses you experience. While it is good to know that you’re covered, it’s also important to understand that the insurance company is on the insurance company’s side – not yours – and that having an experienced Atlanta personal injury attorney can make all the difference when it comes to your ability to obtain just compensation.

The Insurance Company

Like other businesses out there, the insurance company handling your claim is in the business of generating revenue. While it’s true that it’s paid to cover your personal injury claim, you need to keep in mind that it is not on your side and will do what it needs to do to keep your compensation as low as it can get away with. Leaving the insurance company in the able hands of your dedicated personal injury attorney is the best course of action when it comes to protecting your personal injury claim and best interests. 

The words "Frequently Asked Questions" in a magnifying glassPersonal injury victims often have many questions after being hurt in an accident. In particular, many victims come to our office for help with questions about the settlement process of personal injury cases. Here are some answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about personal injury settlements. For more information, call us today to speak with an Atlanta personal injury attorney.

Will my Case go to Trial?

The great majority of personal injury cases don’t go to trial. Most cases are settled out of court before the trial begins. This is because the at-fault party usually concedes liability, which means that the only issue that needs to be addressed is how much the victim will be paid. 

A one dollar billIt shouldn’t be surprising that insurance companies won’t make it easy for you to seek compensation for injuries you suffered in an accident. Keep in mind that for insurance companies, claimants equal financial costs, so they will try to do everything their power to minimize a settlement award. In this light, you should watch out for these underhanded tactics that insurers employ to trick injured victims into accepting lowball settlement offers. 

Downplaying The Seriousness and Extent of Your Injuries 

Sadly, insurance adjusters will try to pass off severe injuries as minor injuries and disabling injuries as non-catastrophic. But you should know that how your injuries are classified would directly affect the amount of compensation you’re entitled to receive, including the long-term compensation for medical care and rehabilitation. By downplaying the seriousness of your injuries, the insurance company may get away with denying you support for all your medical costs and prevent you from obtaining fair compensation and long-term support that you’ll definitely need for your recovery. 

An hourglassThere is no one set timeline for when your personal injury case will settle. It all depends on the individual facts of your case. The more complex the facts, the longer your case could take. The short answer is that a car accident settlement can take between several weeks to several years. Here are some factors that could determine how quickly you could settle your case.

Liability May Be Disputed

The first thing that an insurance company must do before it even begins to talk about settling a case is to determine who was responsible for the accident. Both drivers may say that it was the other driver who was at fault, and the insurance companies must consider the factual record to reach the decision. This may require an extensive investigation by claims adjusters who want to examine physical evidence and speak to the drivers multiple times. While most liability determinations are made within two months, there is nothing that binds an insurance company to that timeline.

The Lyft LogoRidesharing services like Lyft and Uber have changed the way that Atlantans get around the city. Unfortunately, ridesharing drivers get into accidents just like anyone, often causing serious injury to their passengers, other motorists, or anyone else unlucky enough to be in the vicinity.

Ridesharing accidents can be legally complicated, but an Atlanta car accident lawyer at Slappey & Sadd can help ensure that you get the compensation you deserve. Here are some of the general principles regarding liability in ridesharing accidents in Georgia. To learn more, call our office today.

Fault Determines Liability

A man on a road bikeBicycle accidents can leave victims with extremely serious injuries that result in astronomical medical bills and keep them out of work for weeks or months. In addition, victims often experience tremendous physical and emotional pain and suffering as a result of their accident, often long after their initial injuries have healed.

If you have recently been involved in a bicycle accident, you may be wondering how much compensation you will be able to recover. Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to this question, and every case is completely different. That said, there are some factors that will determine how much your case is worth. For more information, call us today to connect with an Atlanta bicycle accident lawyer.

Your Injuries

A black minivan with damage to the rearNo matter how minor your car accident may seem, it can be the beginning of a long and complex legal matter. One of the key factors in getting a fair settlement or court verdict is being able to back up how the accident unfolded and the damages you are claiming. Your Georgia personal injury attorney will have several ways to accomplish this. However, one of the best ones is using the testimony of any witnesses.

Obtain Witness Info Whenever Possible

It should go without saying that your safety and well-being after an accident are paramount to anything else. Always have someone call local law enforcement and an ambulance if needed before worrying about witnesses. When and if you can, you should attempt to obtain the names and contact information of any witnesses, as well as their statement about what they observed. Such information will be valuable as your Georgia personal injury lawyer builds your case. It is worth noting that statements obtained as soon as possible will probably be more accurate than later statements.

A hand holding an small image of a carCar accident victims are usually anxious to get their medical bills paid, fix or replace their vehicle, and move on with their lives. Many insurance adjusters will take advantage of this and make a quick and unfair settlement offer. If the goal of the victim is to get their claim settled merely, it is a win-win for both parties. However, most victims not only want their claim settled quickly, but they also want fair compensation for all of their damages, including pain and suffering.

The insurance company usually doesn’t want the latter, which is why many individuals seeking compensation for their motor vehicle enlist a well-versed Georgia personal injury lawyer to help them. What else doesn’t the insurance company want their claimants to know?

Insurance Adjustors Want to Pay as Little as Possible

An empty courtroom.If you are involved in a car accident in the State of Georgia, it is important to remember that the at-fault driver’s insurance company is never on your side. The insurance company’s main goal is to offer the lowest possible settlement amount that you will accept in order to resolve your car accident claim. When that settlement offer just isn’t enough, a personal injury attorney may recommend that you “roll the dice,” so to speak, and consider taking your chances at trial.

Trials have both advantages and disadvantages. When you let the experienced Georgia car accident lawyers at Slappey & Sadd, LLC handle your case, we can explain all of your legal options and recommend whether trial might be the best option for maximizing your recovery.

We represent car accident victims throughout the State of Georgia, including in Fulton County, DeKalb County, Gwinnett County, Muscogee County, Newton County, Richmond County, Troup County, Walton County, and Whitfield County. Call us today at 404.255.6677, or contact us online to find out how we might be able to assist. 

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