Accident Settlements for Car Accidents

Have you been in a fender-bender and are wondering what happens next? You aren’t alone. Car accidents can throw us for a loop and lead to physical, emotional, and financial consequences for all involved. In many instances, lawsuits related to accidents are settled out of court.

An accident settlement is a legal agreement between those involved in a car accident. It resolves any claims from the crash, so you avoid going to court.

How Settlements Work 

The settlement process and negotiating fair compensation in the aftermath of a car accident can be stressful and overwhelming. Finding the best car accident lawyers, like Gage Mathers, can go a long way to reducing stress levels so you can focus on your recovery. We strive to get you the best possible settlement for your car accident.

Typically, the insurance company of the person responsible for the accident agrees to pay the person or people hurt. In return, the injured party agrees not to sue the driver personally.

The amount of money in the settlement will depend on the severity of the accident and the extent of the injuries. The goal is to resolve the matter fairly without additional worry or stress.

Understanding the Process

After a car accident, the parties involved in the crash, their lawyers, and their insurance companies start having conversations. They exchange details about the accident, injuries, and property damage. 

From there, negotiations begin. All parties go back and forth about settlement terms and how much money is a fair payout. Each side tries to get the best deal during this phase.

Once everyone agrees on a number, agreements are signed and the settlement is complete. This process isn’t always smooth sailing, though. In many cases, it requires legal assistance from a personal injury lawyer. 

Faults and Fees

How is fault determined in a car accident? Determining fault happens after piecing together what happened. This can be done by the drivers involved, police, insurance companies, arbitration, or a jury.

Investigations of the accident focus on traffic laws, witness statements, assessments of the crash site, and physical evidence like tire marks. Once it’s determined who’s at fault, that driver or their insurance usually pays damages based on the agreed-upon settlement. 

If you’re also wondering who pays attorney fees in an accident, many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee. This means they get paid only if they win your case. If they succeed, they take a percentage of the settlement.

Know Your Rights

Anyone involved in a car accident can seek compensation for their injuries and damages–but there’s a catch. A lawsuit must be filed within the statute of limitations, which is the timeframe in which you’re allowed to file a claim. The statute of limitations for a car accident can vary depending on where you live and where the accident happened.

Also, be aware of the legal concept of comparative negligence. This means even if you’re partially at fault, you might still get some money. However, the amount may be less than you expect. 

Negotiation Tactics

When negotiating a settlement after a car accident, there are a few tactics to keep in mind:

• Preparation is key. Organize all evidence and documents so they are easy to reference. This evidence can include medical bills, repair estimates, photos, or other relevant documentation.
• Be polite, but assertive. It’s important to approach the negotiation with a clear understanding of what you believe is fair compensation for your injuries and damages. 
• Listen carefully. Hear the other party out. Don’t shy away from compromise if it helps move the process along. 
• Hire a personal injury lawyer as your advocate. Negotiations can get heated and complicated. The expertise of an experienced attorney is valuable. 

No matter your process, the goal is the same. You want a solution that works for everyone so all parties involved can move forward and put the accident behind them.

Let Gage Mathers Help

At Gage Mathers, we work tirelessly to ensure you’re adequately compensated for your car accident. We take pride in the great results we’ve achieved for our clients over the years. With a 99.9% proven success rate, we are not afraid to take on difficult cases that some lawyers may turn down!

About the Author

Joseph D'Aguanno

Guided by the belief that being a highly skilled specialist in a narrow field is better than being ordinary in everything, Joseph “JD” D’Aguanno leads Arizona’s best personal injury law firm in Phoenix, AZ. Having extensive cross-training in pre-litigation negotiations and trial lawyer skills, with decades of experience, JD strives to provide clients with the most valuable legal services a personal injury lawyer can provide. Under his direction, Gage Mathers Law Group is an award-winning personal injury law firm providing aggressive representation to victims of a car accident, medical malpractice, dog bite, motorcycle accident, and other injurious events. Gage Mathers is trusted by thousands of lawyers and clients throughout the country because of their reputation for getting clients the maximum compensation they deserve.

Years of experience: Over 24 years
Bar number: 020421
Location: Phoenix, AZ
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