Insurance Company Settlements
You’ve been involved in a car or motorcycle accident, the other driver is at fault, and now their insurance company wants to settle with you. The insurance company may be offering to pay the medical bills as a result of the accident, as well as pay the ‘blue book’ value for the price of your car. It seems reasonable, and all you have to do is sign the agreement. Should you settle? Before you sign anything, it’s important to consult with an experienced attorney to make sure your insurance company settlement will fully provide for the losses and damages you’ve incurred as a result of your car accident.
What an Insurance Company Settlement Offer Will Cover
Under South Carolina law, drivers are required to have valid car insurance in effect at all times. The South Carolina Department of Insurance outlines three specific types of insurance all motorists are required to carry. Bodily injury liability insurance covers injuries caused by an accident in which you are at fault. Property damage liability insurance covers damages to the car of the driver you hit, as well as any damages to building or other property. Uninsured motorists insurance is required to protect the insurance policyholder in case they are the victim of an uninsured driver.
Bodily injury liability insurance typically will cover all emergency medical care and doctor visits relating to your injury. Property liability insurance should state that you won’t have to suffer from a loss of transportation as a result of your accident. Sounds good, right?
One thing to remember when presented with an insurance company settlement offer, however, is that the insurance company doesn’t work for you. They work for the other driver, and their main goal is to keep the amount of money paid out for claims as low as possible.
Before Signing a Settlement Agreement, Consult with an Attorney
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you want to make sure the amount you get from the other driver’s insurance company is enough to cover the damages you’ve incurred. Unfortunately, in the immediate aftermath of a car accident, it can be difficult to determine the exact nature of your damages, how long it will take to physically recover, and what treatments you may potentially need down the road. Recuperating from head, back and neck injuries can take a large amount time and require extensive treatments, and even the emotional recovery can take years. According to a research study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, the psychological impact of being involved in a car accident can persist and adversely affect everyday life for as long as five years after the event.
Contact Akim Anastopoulo Before Settling an Insurance Claim
At Anastopoulo Law Firm we have experience negotiating settlements with insurance companies. Contact our experienced car accident attorney for a free review of your case. We understand the potential ongoing nature of the injuries you’ve suffered, and will work hard to make sure you receive the compensation you deserve. While the insurance company is looking out for its best interests, our attorneys in Charleston and throughout South Carolina will be looking out for yours.