Overview
Oh, there’s nothing fun about a car accident. But you know what’s even worse?
Getting a lower car accident settlement than what you should be getting in the first place.
The average car accident settlement is $30,416, but here’s what most people don’t know… the difference between going at your claim alone and getting expert car accident lawyer is the difference between thousands and tens of thousands.
Let’s take a look.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- Why DIY Settlement Negotiations Usually Backfire
- The Real Numbers Behind Professional Legal Representation
- How Expert Lawyers Maximize Your Settlement Value
- Critical Mistakes That Could Cost You Thousands
Why DIY Settlement Negotiations Usually Backfire
Can you handle your car accident claim on your own?
Most people do. And most people leave a lot of money on the table.
Research shows that accident victims who don’t have a lawyer receive an average of just $17,600 in compensation. But for victims with professional legal representation, this average jumps up to four times that amount.
Seriously. Four times more money.
But why is there such a huge difference? There are three primary reasons:
- Insurance companies use aggressive negotiation tactics against unrepresented victims. You’re in a weaker position because you don’t know how the legal process works. They’ll pressure you to settle your claim for a fraction of what you should be entitled to.
- You don’t know the true value of your claim. Figuring out how much your car accident case is worth is way more than just medical bills. There’s lost wages, future medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, property damage, and much more.
- The legal system is incredibly complex. There are deadlines, paperwork requirements, and legal procedures that can completely sink your case if you don’t know what you’re doing.
The Real Numbers Behind Professional Legal Representation
If you’re wondering how much a professional car accident attorney can make a difference, here’s the real data:
Motor vehicle accidents make up 52% of all personal injury cases, and the amount of money accident victims receive in a settlement can vary greatly based on representation.
For accidents that result in injuries, let’s look at the data:
- Without a lawyer: the average settlement is $17,600
- With a lawyer: the average settlement ranges from $30,000 to $100,000+ depending on case complexity
Here’s the really interesting part…
Even after you pay legal fees, victims with lawyers come out way ahead of those who try to do it all on their own. For example, if the insurance company offers you $15,000 to settle right now, a good Tampa car accident lawyer could negotiate that same case for $60,000. After paying 33% in legal fees, you still end up with $40,000, or nearly three times more than the original offer.
How Expert Lawyers Maximize Your Settlement Value
It’s not enough for a car accident lawyer to simply “negotiate” on your behalf. Professional legal representation completely transforms how your case is calculated and valued.
They Know How to Calculate True Damages
Most accident victims think the compensation they’re owed in a settlement is just medical bills and repair costs for their vehicle. Wrong.
Attorneys factor in current and future medical expenses, lost wages and future earning capacity, pain and suffering, property damage beyond your vehicle, permanent disability or disfigurement, emotional distress, and so much more.
They Have Medical Expert Relationships
Insurance companies want to minimize your injuries. “It’s just whiplash,” they say.
Professional attorneys have relationships with medical experts who can properly document your injuries and explain how they’ll impact you for the rest of your life. This can be worth tens of thousands in extra compensation.
They Handle Legal Complexity
95% of personal injury cases settle before ever going to trial, but there’s still a lot of legal procedures to navigate along the way.
There are strict deadlines, mountains of paperwork, and legal hoops that must be navigated perfectly. Professional lawyers handle this, allowing you to focus on healing.
Critical Mistakes That Could Cost You Thousands
If you’re planning to get a lawyer, you’re already ahead of the game. But even people with legal representation make several critical mistakes that can seriously damage their case.
Talking to Insurance Companies Before Getting Legal Advice
The driver who hit you has an insurance company that will be calling you, usually right after the accident. They may even send someone to your house to assess the damage.
But no matter how “nice” and “helpful” the insurance adjuster is, do not talk to them.
Anything you say to an insurance company can be used against you later in your case. In fact, they can even quote you saying “I’m okay” in an effort to show your injuries aren’t serious.
Accepting the First Settlement Offer
Insurance companies always make lowball offers. Always.
They want to settle your claim as quickly and cheaply as possible. The first offer is almost never an accurate reflection of your case’s true value.
Not Seeking Medical Attention Right Away
This might seem obvious, but even if you don’t think you’re hurt in a car accident, see a doctor right away.
Some injuries, such as internal bleeding or soft tissue damage, don’t show up immediately. And if you wait days or weeks to go to the doctor, insurance companies will claim your injuries weren’t caused by the accident.
Not Documenting Everything
The evidence you provide is the only thing you have to support your case. Document, document, document.
Take pictures of the accident scene, vehicle damage, your injuries, and the road conditions. Get contact information for witnesses. Keep records of medical treatments and how your injuries affect your daily life.
The Settlement Process: What to Expect
Hiring an expert lawyer doesn’t mean your case will go on for years and years. The typical process looks like this:
- Initial Case Evaluation: The lawyer reviews facts to determine your claim’s value.
- Investigation: Gathering police reports, medical records, witness statements, evidence, etc.
- Negotiations: Your lawyer meets with insurance adjusters to negotiate a higher settlement.
- Settlement or Trial: Most cases settle during negotiations, but your lawyer can file a lawsuit if needed.
Choosing the Right Legal Representation
When it comes to hiring a car accident attorney, not all lawyers are the same. If your financial recovery is on the line, you want proven experience and success.
Look for attorneys who specialize in car accident cases, have extensive negotiation experience, offer free consultations, work on a contingency fee basis, and have good client reviews.
Find someone you feel comfortable with. You’ll be working closely with them.
Wrapping It Up
Car accident settlements can be the difference between financial stability and financial ruin. Professional legal representation has consistently been shown to lead to significantly higher settlement amounts.
Even after paying legal fees, accident victims with expert lawyers typically receive three to four times more compensation than those who go it alone.
Insurance companies know this. That’s why they’ll do everything they can to pressure you into settling for less before you even realize you have rights or talk to a lawyer.
Don’t let them take advantage of you during an already stressful time. Expert legal guidance isn’t just about getting more money – it’s about getting the compensation you need to truly recover.
Remember:
- The average settlement is $30,416, but varies dramatically based on representation
- Victims without lawyers average just $17,600 in compensation
- Professional legal representation can quadruple the settlement amount
- 95% of cases settle without going to trial
- Insurance companies always start with lowball offers
Your accident recovery should not leave you financially devastated. With the right legal guidance, you can maximize your settlement and get your life back on track.
