I was in a Motor Vehicle Accident. Do I Have a Lawsuit? | O'Keeffe O'Brien Lyson Attorneys

I was in a Motor Vehicle Accident. Do I Have a Lawsuit?

Getting into a car accident can alter everything from your mood to your lifestyle. It can leave you with hefty debt, unanswered questions, and even injuries that can change the way you live. If something like this happens to you or someone you love, do you have a way to receive compensation for the repairs to your vehicle or for medical bills acquired because of the accident?

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There are two ways of going about car accident injury claims: settlement or lawsuit. Both have their advantages and disadvantages and both have instances where one is more applicable than the other. Here is what you should know about settlements and lawsuits in car accidents.

Settlement

By reaching a settlement with the other party, you can avoid a lot of costs and uncertainties, while speeding the time up for receiving compensation.

In order to decide if a settlement is for you, you must decide if you want to risk losing in a trial and not receiving any compensation for your damages. If a settlement is your best option, you must gather all your records (medical, missed work, insurance claims) and draft a demand letter. Following the submission of a demand letter, settlement talks typically take place. Be sure to consult with an attorney to ensure you are getting properly compensated for your accident.

Lawsuit

It is typically best to attempt to settle outside of court before deciding to file a lawsuit. However, if a settlement is not possible due to lack of response from a demand letter, insufficient settlement offers, or if you feel you have suffered an injustice, taking the case to court may be your best bet.

In a car accident trial, it is important to know that you do not give up your ability to settle by filing a lawsuit. If you can settle on an acceptable offer and decide you want to take it, you may do so.

If you have been in a car accident and feel you have not received an acceptable settlement offer or feel you have suffered an injustice, contact the car accident lawyers at O’Keeffe O’Brien Lyson Foss Attorneys. Their experience will give you the peace of mind you need to hopefully receive proper compensation for your accident. Contact them today.

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