You will have to make an insurance claim after a car accident occurs, but this can become complicated. When you are dealing with injuries or property damage due to the crash, you want to be sure you receive a settlement that covers all of your expenses. However, an insurance company is not going to willingly hand over money, and they will often offer settlements far below what you could receive. At Brown, Moore & Associates, PLLC, we are ready to get to work when you need a Charlotte car accident attorney.
What happens after a car accident?
If we look at the latest year of data from the NC Department of Transportation, we can see that there were more than 275,000 vehicle crashes across the state. Out of those, there were:
- 1,396 fatalities
- 127,964 injuries
In and around Charlotte, we have our fair share of car accidents. This means that plenty of people will be seeking compensation from an insurance company (their own or the at-fault party’s) for damages.
However, you need to understand that insurance companies are not your friends. They are for-profit companies and will do what they can to lower the amount they pay in a settlement.
Yes, you can reject a car accident settlement offer
First, we need to look at what a settlement offer should include. The at-fault driver’s insurance carrier is going to be responsible for your damages, including the cost of:
- Medical treatment
- Lost income
- Vehicle repairs
- And any other losses tied to the accident
The first offer made by their insurance carrier is almost certainly going to be below what you should receive for the accident. You absolutely can reject their offer, especially if you think you are being treated unfairly.
- You should consider seeking legal help early in this process so an attorney can guide you through the steps.
You, or your attorney, can then make a counter-offer in the form of a demand letter based on what you think is the total cost of your accident-related expenses.
There will inevitably be some back and forth, and you should only accept an offer you believe is fair. It may be necessary to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver or their insurance carrier.
Our team is ready to get to work for you today
If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident that was caused by the careless or negligent actions of another person, please seek legal assistance as soon as possible. At Brown, Moore &Associates, PLLC, we will investigate your accident and get to work securing the compensation you deserve. This can include:
- Coverage of medical expenses related to the crash
- Recovery of lost wages if you are unable to work
- Coverage of physical therapy
- Pain and suffering damages
- Loss of enjoyment of life damages
- Possible punitive damages against the negligent party
If you need a Charlotte car accident attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling us at 704-335-1500.