When you are in a motor vehicle collision, you may not even know where to start, much less how it will all shake out in the end. It’s a scary event, especially if you are hurt, and the added stress of looming treatment and hospital bills can be overwhelming to handle alone. The settlement can seem so far out of reach, and something you don’t even know how to go about moving forward, which is why you reach out to a personal injury attorney in order to help you navigate what can be one of the worst experiences of your life. In other words, the attorney does their job, so that you can do your job of getting better.
Before we start though: what is a settlement? It is basically a legally binding agreement where (typically) an at fault party’s insurer pays compensation that covers your medical bills, any lost wages, and pain and suffering in exchange for the victim dropping—or “releasing”—any future liability claims. A Kennesaw, GA car accident lawyer can guide you through this process and protect your rights before you agree to any terms. Now that we have that information, we can address the key aspects of what happens during a settlement.
Process
The victim’s attorney files a claim, presents evidence (which can consist of police reports, medical record and bills, photographs, and witness statements among other things), and negotiate a demand amount with insurers. This involves some discussion between attorneys and insurance adjusters, which is all handled through your representation. But don’t worry: no decisions on settlement will be made without your stamp of approval.
Timeline
Simple cases can resolve in 3-6 months, while complex ones involving more severe or lasting injuries can take a few years. Your legal team at Johnson & Alday, LLC will be honest with you about the timeline you are looking at, and what every step looks like. Whether it’s a few months or a couple of years, we will always give you the best representation every step of the way, even during a possibly long or uncomfortable process.
Compensation Factors
The amount of the settlement depends on the severity of the injuries, such as if you break any bones, need to miss any work, or will be suffering from a long-term disability. The kind of treatment you receive and how long it lasts are major factors in the amount you receive at the time of settlement, as well as your overall economic damages.
Finalization
Once your attorney discusses with you the settlement offers that he or she receives, they will advise you on how to move forward, and you make the final decision if you are wanting to accept the offer presented, or not. Once an agreement is reached and the documentation is signed, the check will be issued within a few weeks.
It is never a good thing to be a victim in a motor vehicle collision, and it can be scary and daunting when you are hurt to figure out all the hoops to jump through in order to get the compensation you deserve for your medical treatment. This is why it is highly recommended to reach out to an attorney who can vouch for you and is experienced in maneuvering through the world of insurance claims, demands, and settlement negotiations. As said before, your job is getting better. Let us do the rest!