Downtown San Diego Accident Lawyers
3 Steps You Should Take to Negotiate a Car Accident Settlement
Anyone involved in a car accident is likely to get impacted, whether it’s physically, emotionally, or financially. One of the biggest causes of crashes is due to drivers’ negligence, but even then, you might be eligible for compensation.
If you have an experienced attorney to help you navigate through the process of your car accident settlement, it’ll allow you to focus on your recovery and not worry about finances at the moment. If you or a loved one is in a similar situation, here’s everything you should know about accident settlements and the three steps you need to take.
What Is a Car Accident Settlement?
Accident settlements refer to an agreement between the victim and the liable party, hence the name. Usually, you negotiate with the other party to pay for compensation as that’ll save both of you time and money.
A car accident settlement can be reached without going to court, though it depends on the victim and the case. There are many cities in the U.S that are known for having a high rate of accidents, such as Fort Collins, Downtown San Diego, Brownsville, Idaho, Kansas, Alabama, etc.
These accidents happen every day, and their severity can be fatal. That’s why many people have a hard time deciding whether to go to trial or keep the personal injury lawsuit as a settlement only. In that case, consulting a qualified lawyer can help you make a decision.
The Settlement Process
While car accident settlements can offer you the compensation you deserve, there are some steps you should take to negotiate a settlement and form your claim.
Take Quick Action after the Accident
When an accident occurs, there are some basic steps you should take. First, ensure that you and the people involved in the accident are safe. If possible, you should provide assistance and seek medical help immediately.
If the accident occurs in a frequent area like Downtown San Diego, you have to move the car away from the road to avoid traffic and call the police. Don’t forget to make a police report, as that can support your case and make the job easier for your lawyer to determine liability.
You must also collect evidence, and that includes taking pictures, videos, and witness statements. Lastly, don’t forget to collect information like:
- Insurance information
- Name and phone numbers of those involved
- Vehicle information
- Reference number of the police report
- Names and phone numbers of witnesses
Send a Demand Letter
The next huge step is to write and send a demand letter to your insurance company. Usually, this letter is written by a professional lawyer. Again, if you live in Downtown San Diego, you can reach out to Jeffrey Estes Injury Lawyers, and they’ll review your case and write a demand letter to persuade the insurance company to grant fair compensation.
Your letter of demand should include three main components:
- Relevant facts
- Statement of fault
- A list of damages
You should also write what you expect the opposing party to do, like:
- Compensation amount
- Other non-monetary compensation
- A deadline for your expectations
Agree to Settle
The last step of the settlement process is to have realistic expectations and understand that to have a positive outcome, both parties must agree to settle. If the defendant settles on the financial proposal, the conflict is resolved.
However, if one or both parties fail to resolve the conflict, then the case will go to trial. Unfortunately, the trial can be costly and taxing, so you need to think smart.
