If you have the right to file a lawsuit against someone else over an auto accident, you have that right to take that lawsuit all the way to a civil courtroom in pursuit of a damage award from a civil judge or jury. In practice, almost all claims of this nature end with a settlement out of court rather than a court trial—not just because it’s simpler, but often because it’s cheaper and faster.
Settling a car accident case in York for a fair amount is usually far from simple, especially if you’ve suffered severe injuries that’ll have long-lasting effects on your professional and personal life. If you want the best chance possible of getting a favorable settlement offer in a situation like this, you should make contacting and hiring a seasoned car accident attorney one of your top priorities.
When Is the Right Time to Settle a Car Crash Claim?
In as little as a few days after a car accident, one or more insurance companies may reach out to you with an offer to settle your claim and get you paid quickly. These companies will always prioritize their own financial bottom line over your best interests. An initial settlement offer is often way too low to account for all the damages your wreck has caused you and will cause you to suffer in the future.
It’s worth discussing your options with a respected attorney in York first before accepting any car accident settlement offer, and it’s often best to let some time pass before accepting any future offer so you can get a clear picture of what your case’s true value is. Under Pennsylvania law, you have a maximum of two years to file suit after a car crash caused by someone else’s negligence, and while it’s generally better to file suit sooner rather than later, making smart use of the time you have under the law is often a good idea too.
Accounting for All Losses
One of the main reasons you should be careful about settling a car crash case in York too early is that you won’t get a second chance to come back and ask for more money later if your injuries get worse. You’ll need to identify, assign a fair financial value to, and demand settlement money in advance for expected future damages like:
- Physical discomfort and pain
- Emotional and mental anguish
- Loss of life’s pleasures
- Costs of long-term medical care, including things like physical therapy and wheelchairs
- Costs of home or car modifications to help you live a normal life with a serious disability
- Lost working and earning ability
You need help from our experienced legal team to assess your losses accurately. We’ll be able to offer guidance based on past cases we’ve handled and connect you with experts who can help you make a case for higher compensation during settlement talks.
Get Help From a York Attorney With Settling a Car Accident Case
The car accident settlement process can be difficult, whether you just need help covering short-term medical bills or have suffered a permanent and life-altering injury. It’s also not something you want to try going through on your own, regardless of whether you’ve had past experience with civil litigation or not.
When it comes to settling a car accident case in York effectively and efficiently, there’s no substitute for support from a seasoned lawyer. Call Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers today to learn more.
