Should I negotiate a settlement directly with the liable party instead of filing a claim after a car accident?

It may not be a good idea to engage in settlement negotiation directly with a liable party instead of filing a claim after a car accident. Some may choose to avoid going through insurance out of fear that premiums will go up.

However, accidents should be reported to the insurance company and there are other reasons it may not be a good idea to negotiate with the other party. Instead, consult an Arvada, Colorado car accident lawyer about taking legal action.

Reasons to Avoid Settlement Negotiation Directly with a Liable Party

One of the biggest reasons to never negotiate with another party is that payment for damages cannot be guaranteed. A person is taking a huge risk by trusting that the money will come through.

But another reason it’s not a good idea to negotiate is that when there are serious injuries involved, damages may be significant. There can be a lot at stake financially in this situation, so the best way to be protected is by filing a claim after a car accident with the other party’s insurance company when he/she was at fault.

It’s also important to consider that a claim will usually address damages that might not otherwise be recovered. In addition to the medical bills that have accrued, there are other losses that should be considered. For instance, property damage may be addressed in a claim.

If the injuries prevent the person from working, the lost earnings can be addressed. And if there is the potential to face future medical treatment that will result in additional missed time from work, this may be included during settlement negotiations with the insurance company as well.

When negotiating a settlement, it’s extremely unlikely that the liable party is going to be willing to pay out for these and other types of damages that might be available when filing a claim after an accident.

Other examples include pain and suffering, mental anguish, reduced quality of life and disability. An Arvada, Colorado car accident lawyer will help victims consider these and other damages when pursuing legal action via an insurance claim or lawsuit.

Reasons to Consult with an Arvada, Colorado Car Accident Lawyer

There are a few reasons that it may be necessary to seek legal advice. Whenever injuries are significant and there is the possibility of facing a large financial burden, a person can protect his/her interests by securing legal counsel with an Arvada, Colorado car accident lawyer.

An attorney can also evaluate the circumstances surrounding an accident to determine if there is a case and can help establish liability for the accident. Just as important, an attorney can help determine the types of damages that an injured person might be entitled to receive.

All financial, physical and emotional consequences of an accident will be taken into consideration. If settlement negotiations with the insurance company do not result in a fair settlement, a lawyer may help pursue a lawsuit to recover damages.

D.J. Banovitz is an Arvada, Colorado car accident lawyer who can assist victims of accidents file a claim after a car accident and pursue settlement negotiations with the insurance company.