You were injured in a car accident and filed a claim against the other driver's insurance company, but you aren't happy with the settlement that the other party is offering. So, when should you settle a claim and when should you file a car accident lawsuit?
Most car accident claims are settled out of court, but in some cases, it can be an excellent option to file a lawsuit. For example, if you and your attorney believe that you deserve more money for your injuries and haven't been able to negotiate a fair offer. However, there are some things to keep in mind before deciding whether to settle your car accident claim or take it to court.
When Should You Take a Case to Court?
The aftermath of a car accident can affect many areas of your life. Suddenly, medical bills, lost wages, vehicle repairs, and other expenses are piling up and causing you and your family stress. You're recovering from your injuries, and not working, but negotiating a fair settlement with the other party's insurance company has been a drawn-out and stressful ordeal.
If you are struggling with expenses as a result of the accident, and need to recover a fair settlement, you should speak with a car accident attorney about filing a car accident lawsuit. An experienced attorney can assess your case and determine if you should accept the other party's settlement offer or file a lawsuit and take your claim to court.
How Long After a Car Accident Can You Sue for Damages?
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years in most states. While you have two years from the date of an accident to file a car accident claim, you should file a claim right after the accident happens and hire an attorney.
The sooner you speak to an attorney, the better odds your case has of recovering damages. An attorney can make sure that you have adequate evidence to support your claim, high odds of winning a settlement in court, and offer protection from the insurance company, who will continually try to get you to settle your case out of court.
If you were injured in a car accident, you need to contact Burger Law. Our car accident attorneys are dedicated to fighting for the rights of car accident victims and can recover the compensation that you deserve for damages. Call 314-542-2222 or 618-272-2222 to schedule a free consultation.