Let’s get right to the point and remove the mystery suggested in the title of this blog: The worst mistake people make in car accident settlements is accepting a quick settlement from an insurance company. In other words, in most situations, the faster you settle, the less you will get.
Now, let’s define “quick.” The truth is, it’s not a definable number of days or weeks. A quick settlement offer is one that is made and accepted before a person knows the following:
- The extent of their injuries: Yes, cuts and bruises heal. Even bones mend. But joint injuries and concussions? Those are just a few of the countless types of injuries that can come back to haunt people long term, including job performance and quality of life.
- The extent of damages: Cars are a little like the human body in terms of damage; the damage is not always apparent. Some of the most common types of hidden car damage reported long after a collision include frame and structural damage to the frame or chassis; sub-structure damage to bumpers; suspension and alignment issues; and electrical system damage. You may have driven your car home from the accident scene, but it doesn’t mean there are no damages.
To put it bluntly, don’t accept a settlement before you find out what you might not know. If you do, you are putting yourself at significant risk of leaving money on the table that you might need—and have a legitimate right to—later, when medical bills or car repairs start showing up.
Learn more about our Sacramento Car Accident Attorney Services.
Why and How Quick Car Accident Settlements Happen
The “why” of quick car accident settlements should be evident by now: They save insurance companies a lot of money. That adjuster who sounds so heartfelt when he recommends you accept the offer, “or you may not get one at all,” has one responsibility: to his employer’s bottom line. It’s his job to save the insurance company money, period.
Here are two main ways that insurance adjusters succeed in getting victims to accept quick settlement offers:
- Pressure and fear: The temptation to get a car accident claim settled and behind you is real – just ask an insurance adjuster. The fear of prolonged legal battles is no joke.
- Lack of legal advice: There is a reason why we offer free consultations, and that is because sound legal advice should be available to everyone, regardless of financial restrictions. If you have been in an accident, your first call after getting medical attention should be to an experienced car accident attorney in your area who will answer your questions for free and charge you no fees until and unless you win a settlement.
In case you’re wondering, Eason & Tambornini offer both. There is no fine print. If you don’t win, you don’t pay.
Other Unknown Damages: Pain and Suffering
One type of non-economic damages (damages without an exact, known value, unlike a medical bill or car repair) is pain and suffering damages. These are an essential component of many car accident claims because they are designed to provide financial compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress that a car accident causes for victims.
Physical pain and suffering refer to bodily injuries, including discomfort, limitations, and injuries. Emotional pain and suffering refer to the impact the accident has on your psyche or emotional and mental state, such as anxiety, depression, sleep interruptions, general loss of enjoyment of life, and impact on personal relationships, to name a few.
How Pain and Suffering Damages Are Calculated
Specific formulas are used depending on the type of pain and suffering experienced. Additionally, several things impact the calculation of pain and suffering damages, such as the severity of injury, the length of recovery, the effect on daily life, and evidence. An experienced attorney is vital to calculating a fair amount for pain and suffering damages.
Maximize Your Settlement by Avoiding the Big Mistake
Here is an at-a-glance summary of what not to do after a car accident:
- Don’t underestimate your injuries; get a thorough medical evaluation immediately
- Don’t be afraid to call an attorney; our attorneys will meet with you for free and answer your questions, and you will be under no obligation to move forward.
- Don’t underestimate the damage to your car. Hit the “pause” button on settlement conversations until a qualified mechanic evaluates your car.
Call a Car Accident Attorney
Don’t hesitate to call us if you or a loved one has been in a car accident. The adage, “better safe than sorry,” applies here. There is no charge for a consultation. If we take your case, you pay nothing upfront and only receive a bill if you win a settlement.
Call us at (916) 438-1819 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.