Should I Accept the Initial Settlement Offer After a Houston Car Crash?
There are many things that you should do after being involved in a Houston area auto accident. You need to seek immediate medical attention following a crash, and failure to do so could put any claim for compensation at risk. Even if you do not think you suffered injuries after a collision, the extent of the resulting damages may just not be apparent and may show up over time.
However, there are also some things that you should think twice about in the aftermath of a wreck. One such thing is accepting a premature settlement offer from the insurance company.
The Claim Process Following a Vehicle Collision
Following a traffic accident, the insurance provider of the defendant will be informed of the accident and start an investigation. An early stage of this process involves an insurance adjuster reaching out to the victim to obtain a statement and other details about the related injuries.
It is recommended that accident victims contact a Houston personal injury attorney immediately following a crash so he or she can take over communication with the adjuster. After you have retained counsel, your attorney will start collecting evidence establishing the liability of the defendant. This evidence may include the following:
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Photographs of the scene
Your lawyer will then collect information concerning the injuries and damages resulting from the impact. It may take time to fully comprehend the ongoing medical prognosis and determine the full value of damages a victim is owed when the related injuries are severe.
Take for example a victim who suffers a spinal injury. He or she may soon realize that they have become paralyzed, but it will still take some time to find out if they will be able to return to work again or if they will require ongoing treatment or therapy to make a full recovery. In this case, their damages may include compensation for future lost income and medical costs.
The Adjuster May Take Advantage
Accident victims need to know that the insurance adjuster is not on their side. The goal of the adjuster is to minimize the liability of their client. The strain of lost income and an extended litigation process are far from ideal for most accident victims and their families. This leads many to accept what may initially seem to be a solid settlement offer just to get back on with their lives. If you agree to settle a case, it will effectively prevent the victim from pursuing further legal action or obtaining additional compensation. By retaining the help of a lawyer to handle these negotiations, the plaintiff can prevent losing out on deserved financial compensation.
Car Crashes in Houston
In most cases, Texas car crash victims are injured by reckless or negligent drivers, and the responsible party can be made to cover the damages resulting from the collision. For over a decade, Connolly Law has helped car crash victims obtain the compensation they deserve. Our qualified Houston car crash attorneys will work tirelessly to ensure that your rights are protected under the law. Contact our offices today at 877-CONNLAW to discuss your case today.
