After a car accident, the victim can file for an insurance claim when the accident happened due to someone else’s negligence. As per the law, the victim is eligible to get compensation for their medical bills, loss of income, property damage, and more. However, the process is not as simple as it may sound.
After you have filed the claim, the insurance company will consider various factors to determine your settlement amount. Note that even if you provide evidence to support your claim, multiple factors affect your settlement amount. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a car accident lawyer Fort Wayne before deciding.
Top factors that could affect your settlement amount
- Statements provided by you
Everything you speak to the insurance company is used against you. The recorded or written statement that you provide will be used against you. Therefore, you must carefully think before speaking or giving a statement to the insurance company. If you are unaware of what steps should be taken further, you can directly talk to a car accident lawyer in Fort Wayne.
- Fault and liability
The settlement amount depends on the driver at fault. You may get a fair settlement amount if the other driver is at fault. However, if you are responsible (even partially), the compensation may be denied or reduced. Even if you share the responsibility, you can file a claim, but your financial recovery will be less.
- Medical help
You should assess medical help and evaluation as soon as possible. It would help if you told the medical practitioner every particular symptom or anything else that you are feeling to determine the extent of the injury. If you do not confer medical care after the accident, the insurance company may use it against you that you have suffered no injuries and further reduce your claim amount.
- Permanent damages
If the injured person upholds permanent damages or impairments, the claim amount increases. It could retain permanent disability, paralysis, loss of limb, etc. Permanent injuries can impact the long-term earnings of the victim, so it is better to seek medical help at the earliest. One can also file for the emotional damages from the car accident to get compensation.
- Important opportunities
The victim may have missed an opportunity or two due to the accident. It could be anything from a job interview, business meetings, etc. This factor could independently cause the insurance company or any other intermediary to reevaluate your settlement amount.
